Fiji is excited to welcome back the 37th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant after a nine-year break, as the event aims to address critical issues affecting youth across the region. With a theme of “One Pacific. One Voice: Standing Together for Online Safety,” this year’s pageant places a spotlight on the dangers young people face online, including cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, and the targeting of youth by drug dealers through social media.
Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, emphasized the pageant’s growing significance in tackling these urgent challenges during the presentation of research topics. He noted that the seven contestants from various Pacific nations have the potential to enact real change beyond traditional advocacy roles, urging that the issues at stake require actionable solutions.
Nalumisa also praised the outgoing Miss Pacific Islands from Samoa, commending her leadership and advocacy on pressing matters like climate change, substance abuse, and health. He highlighted her embodiment of the spirit of a Pasifika woman and recognized her vital contributions to raising awareness within the region.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant stands out as more than just a beauty contest; it acts as a prominent platform for showcasing the Pacific’s creative industries, such as fashion, music, and cultural practices. This exposure is essential for nurturing the creative economy of the region and presents the opportunity for Pacific talent to shine on an international stage.
With the pageant festivities underway, Minister Nalumisa encouraged contestants to harness their influence in schools, communities, and beyond to advocate for online safety and foster positive changes. He also called on government bodies and the private sector to consider their participation in cultural events as a valuable investment in the future, highlighting the myriad social, cultural, and economic benefits initiatives like the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant provide.
As Fiji leads the charge in uniting the Pacific through advocacy, artistic expression, and celebration, the event promises to be a catalyst for meaningful change in the region.