Fiji sits at the literal and figurative heart of the Pacific's digital transformation and economic resilience, and digital transformation must go hand in hand with robust security.
This was highlighted by Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga while opening the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON) Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook Subcommittee's third in-person meeting in Nadi.
Turaga says Fiji has translated this belief into decisive action through several milestone achievements.
He says Fiji has launched its National Digital Strategy (2025-2030) and National E-Commerce Strategy, establishing a secure and inclusive framework to transition Fiji into a leading digital economy.
He adds that alongside the National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy (2026-2031), Fiji is actively strengthening its National CERT capabilities to address emerging threats.
Turaga says to ensure Fiji's legal framework matches international best practices, the country enacted the Cybercrime Act 2021.
He says Fiji has formally acceded to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and signed its Second Additional Protocol on enhanced cooperation and electronic evidence.
He also highlighted that Fiji officially signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in New York on December 18th, 2025.
He adds that Fiji became the 74th country to sign the treaty, strengthening national security against digital threats such as credit card fraud, identity theft and online child exploitation.
Turaga says Fiji shares these achievements not to boast, but to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and tackling cybercrime.
Speaking to legal representatives from across the Pacific, he highlighted that the gathering reflected the true spirit of Pacific solidarity, with representatives from Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, Nauru, the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Australia and Fiji attending the meeting.
Turaga says the purpose of the meeting was to formulate and draft the Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook, describing it as "not just another regional document" but "a practical toolkit, a regional guide, and a testament to our collective resilience."
He says the handbook elevates Pacific voices by ensuring the resource is grounded in reality and tailored to the context and capabilities of Pacific island nations.
Turaga says Chapters 1 to 4 of the handbook have already been finalised following meetings in Tonga and Vanuatu.
He says the chapters provide a roadmap for understanding cybercrime challenges, adapting law reform, turning policy into robust legislation and engaging stakeholders.
Turaga told participants that the finish line is now in sight, with the next three days focused on finalising Chapter 5 and completing practical templates before the handbook is printed ahead of the 2026 PILON Annual Meeting.
