Pacific Island Journalism: Representation, Public Trust, and Press Freedom

With the global rise of misinformation and disinformation alongside authoritarian trends, independent journalism is more important than ever. Join us as we discuss the specific challenges and trajectories for journalism and press freedom in the Pacific with three veteran journalists. Grace Fiavaai is a New Zealand-based journalist focusing on Samoan politics and Pacific regional issues. Lillyrose Welwel is a Vanuatu journalist for ABC (Australia Broadcasting Corporation) and founder of Women in Media, Vanuatu.

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This event is a part of YCAPS' Pacific Connect webinar series.

Speakers:

Grace Fiavaai is a New Zealand-born Samoan journalist and communications professional with a passion for telling stories that reflect and empower Pacific communities. Having worked across mainstream media, she has covered politics, current affairs and community stories in both New Zealand and Samoa. Grace is a Fellow of the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network (IPCN) in Disaster Resilience (Cohort 3), a school board member, youth mentor and postgraduate educational leadership student with a strong interest in leadership, governance and representation. A proud mother of two and a pastors’ daughter, she is of Samoan, Niuean, Tongan and Chinese heritage. Grace is passionate about creating space for diverse voices and strengthening Pacific storytelling in media. When she’s not chasing stories or serving her community, you’ll likely find her sharing a laugh and if the room needs warming up, Grace is always happy to get everyone smiling with her famous Samoan milimili.

Lillyrose Welwel has worked in the media industry for over 10 years and served as the President of the Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV) from 2023 through 2025. She is currently a Vanuatu Reporter based in Port Vila, for the Australian-based press ABC. She is also part of the ABC's Pacific Local Journalism Network. Since 2022, she has been working to strengthen and empower women through the newly founded association, Women in Media (WIM) - Vanuatu.

Format: This event will be recorded and published in our web archive. Questions are encouraged during the live event.

Registration: Link

Moderator: Jenna J Lindeke Heavenrich

Webinar Cost: Free of charge