Fiji has proudly resumed its role as the host of the 37th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, marking a significant return after a nine-year hiatus. The event is set against a backdrop of pressing issues concerning the youth across the Pacific, particularly focusing on the dangers they face online, with this year’s theme being “One Pacific. One Voice: Standing Together for Online Safety.”
During the presentation of research topics, Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, underscored the growing importance of the pageant in addressing real and urgent challenges, including cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, and the targeting of young people by drug dealers on social media platforms. He articulated the necessity for actionable responses to these threats, emphasizing that the impact of the seven contestants representing various Pacific nations transcends traditional advocacy roles.
Minister Nalumisa extended high praise for the outgoing Miss Pacific Islands from Samoa, acknowledging her extensive leadership and advocacy on critical issues such as climate change, substance abuse, and health. He highlighted her embodiment of the spirit of a Pasifika woman and commended her for her meaningful contributions to raising awareness across the region.
The pageant is not solely a beauty competition; it serves as an important platform for the Pacific’s creative industries, encompassing fashion, music, choreography, and cultural practices. This visibility supports the creative economy in the region and allows Pacific excellence to shine on a global stage.
Nalumisa urged contestants to leverage their influence in schools, communities, and international platforms to promote online safety and drive positive transformations. He also called on governments and the private sector to see their involvement in such cultural events as investments in their own future, highlighting the social, cultural, and economic benefits that initiatives like the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant can bring.
With the festivities in full swing, Fiji is committed to uniting the Pacific in a collective effort of advocacy, artistic expression, and celebration.