The Ministry of Policing and Communications, led by Hon. Ioaane Naivalurua, met with H.E. Ms Emily Roper, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, along the margins of WTDC-25 to discuss continued collaboration in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and digital development.
Minister Naivalurua highlighted that telecommunications and ICTs remain at the heart of Fiji’s national priorities, noting: “Telecommunications and ICTs are the key enabler of every sector and every national activity — and while we have made progress, there is still much more to do.”
A central focus of the meeting was to discuss Fiji-Australia Cybersecurity MOU and the need for accelerated implementation of its upcoming Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy. The Minister called for more joint exercises, secondments, and operational cooperation with Australia, emphasising: “Fiji cannot afford to play a catch-up game — we must be on the frontline of cybersecurity.”
He reaffirmed ongoing national reforms to strengthen coordination between the Ministry, Police, and cybersecurity institutions, stressing that “our cyber response must be unified, integrated, and forward-looking.”
Discussions also covered progress towards a Fiji–Australia Telecommunications MOU aimed at prioritising Fiji’s ICT needs and supporting the modernisation of key policies and legislation in the Telecommunications and ICT sector. Minister Naivalurua underscored that enhanced cooperation will help Fiji deliver reliable connectivity, improved regulatory frameworks, and stronger institutional capacity.
Australian officials welcomed Fiji’s digital ambitions and reaffirmed support in areas such as spectrum management, cyber incident readiness, ICT reforms, subsea cable resilience and regional collaboration.
Minister Naivalurua reiterated Fiji’s broader Pacific role, stating that “Fiji’s position as a Pacific hub grows stronger when our partnerships grow stronger.” He noted the importance of collective regional action, including cooperation through Geneva-based Pacific groupings and wider regional initiatives.