Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO joined forces to tackle the challenge of limited economic opportunities and digital inequality within the music industry in Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
The collaboration aimed to empower these Pacific States by leveraging the potential of their music ecosystems as drivers of economic growth and social development.
The project was initiated in response to the realisation that despite its global appeal, the music industry often concentrated economic opportunities in large cities and major markets, leaving smaller or remote communities with limited prospects for music-related careers. Moreover, the digital divide posed significant barriers, hindering access to economic benefits for those without reliable internet connectivity.
Working closely with UNESCO, Sound Diplomacy developed country-specific strategies to foster economic diversification and digital transformation while enhancing livelihoods, social protection, human rights, and resilience for vulnerable communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
The collaborative efforts of Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO focused on several key objectives, including:
Identified growth areas in the music ecosystems of the three Pacific States and created actionable work plans with recommendations.
Utilised the music industry as a catalyst to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in these nations.
Engaged local stakeholders and expanded UNESCO's partnerships in the Pacific States by establishing a comprehensive contact list of key organisations.
Promoted UNESCO's broader project and music-related work through targeted dissemination to partners, networks, and communities.
Emphasised adherence to the ROAM principles: Human Rights, Openness, Accessibility, and Multi-Stakeholder Participation.
Through intensive stakeholder sessions, Sound Diplomacy unveiled crucial gaps in the structures necessary to monetize music in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The findings highlighted priority areas for support in each nation's music sector:
Fiji:
Funding
Copyright and intellectual property
Appreciation
Solomon Islands:
Infrastructure
Copyright and intellectual property
Government support
Education
Vanuatu:
Facilities/Infrastructure
Copyright Management
Professional Development/Mentorship
National Music Policy & Government Support
Appreciation
To address these gaps, Sound Diplomacy crafted comprehensive work plans tailored to each nation, outlining strategic actions and timelines for implementation. These plans aimed to enhance the music ecosystem's capacity and maximise its socio-economic impact in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
The collaborative efforts between Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO laid the foundation for leveraging the music industry's potential to transform communities and promote sustainable development in the Pacific States. By addressing priority areas and embracing strategic work plans, the project strived to create a lasting impact, fostering economic diversity and digital empowerment through the power of music.
The success of this initiative represented a significant step towards improving livelihoods, human rights, and resilience in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO remained committed to building upon these achievements, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant music ecosystem in the region.