Media industry professionals, publishers, proprietors, editors, and journalists from across the Pacific are gathering in Sydney for the inaugural Asian Development Bank (ADB) Pacific Business Media Summit.
Senior media from eight Pacific countries are attending, including representatives from Fiji TV, Fiji Times, Matangi Tonga, Solomon Star, Talamu Media Samoa, Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Broadcasting Corporation, Pacific Islands News Association, Asia Pacific Journalism Centre, Pacific Media Centre, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Over two days they will share experiences and discuss views on the changing media landscape for business reporting and the business of media in the region.
The Solomon Star is represented by Business Editor Moffat Mamu.
The Summit is hosted by ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office (PLCO) in Sydney and is supported by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), co-financed by ADB and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
“We recognize the crucial role the media play in the region’s economic development. We are therefore very happy to host to such an experienced group and are pleased to facilitate the exchange of knowledge that will occur the next two days,” said PLCO Regional Director Andrea Iffland.
Today at the ADB Business Media Briefing, delegates will hear in-depth presentations about the Pacific economic outlook, and ADB’s ongoing development assistance to the region. There will also be a focus on Pacific private sector development and the enabling environment for business; the investment outlook for Pacific Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises; the economic empowerment of women; and the pipeline of major infrastructure projects planned in the medium-term in the region.
Tomorrow at the Pacific Business Media Forum, participants will take the podium to engage in panel discussions on issues vital to both media coverage of Pacific business and the business of Pacific media. Issues to be covered include the impact of digital technology and social media, reporting on women and business, and “what’s the big story?”
Question and answer periods will follow all sessions, which are open to the public. Media are welcome and encouraged to attend and join in the discussion. ADB experts will be available for interview throughout the Summit.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.
