Vodafone backs U.N. Unite Concert

By Alexander Rheeney 14 August 2020, 5:00AM

Vodafone Fiji has thrown its support behind the United Nations Pacific Unite Concert and will use its franchises in Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati and the Cook Islands to show solidarity.

In a statement released by the telecommunications company, Vodafone described the concert as timely as it will complement and reinforce their latest initiative “Go Local  Go Digital”, which supports local businesses, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and the community as the region works to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Vodafone Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Prasad, said in the statement that the work will work towards uniting Pacific people. 

“This concert is a great initiative and geared towards bringing the Pacific People together in solidarity, recognizing the fact that we must work together to beat COVID-19,” he said. 

“It’s also a show of appreciation for our hard-working essential workers and to an avenue to encourage everyone to play their part in adopting the new normal, so we can all continue to be safe.

“We are excited to be the exclusive Telco partners to stream the Pacific Unite Concert across Vodafone’s operating companies in the Pacific regions where we operate. 

“This partnership will see hundreds and thousands of viewers across the Pacific enjoy the region’s first-ever virtual concert.”

Music and art can become therapies for those who are psychologically affected in these troubled times, added Mr Prasad.

“We are committed to the cause with the United Nations in supporting countries in the Pacific through a system-wide, multi-sectoral approach that aims to contain the spread of COVID-19 and effectively mitigate the devastating social and economic impacts caused by the virus.”

The virtual concert will be hosted by Aunty Tala from the Laughing Samoans and will feature performances by Jah Boy [Solomon Islands]; Jay Hoad [Australia]; Juny B [Kiribati]; Justin Wellington [Papua New Guinea]; Kendal T [Palau]; Mia Kami [Tonga]; Nem & Talei [Fiji]; Paulini [Australia]; Poly Flavour [Samoa]; Skillz [Fiji]; Stan Antas [Vanuatu]; Te Vaka [New Zealand]; Tiki Taane [New Zealand]; Tropikana Breeze [Tuvalu]; Vanessa Quai [Vanuatu]; Yosh [Vanuatu]; UN Messenger of Peace Yo-Yo Ma [USA], and more.

The virtual concert will also include appearances by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Fiji National Rugby Sevens Team, Oscar-winning actor and Sustainable Development Goals Advocate Forest Whitaker, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, Miss Pacific Islands 2018-19 Leoshina Kariha, UNAIDS Pacific Goodwill Ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, celebrity chef Robert Oliver; The Royal Princess Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafileó Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga, Director of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Palau President Tommy Remengesau amongst others.

The virtual concert featuring some of the region’s top acts will be live streamed on Saturday, August 15.

By Alexander Rheeney 14 August 2020, 5:00AM
Samoa Observer

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