As a camera operator for EM TV in Papua New Guinea, Varia Pekuku Omoa has a unique perspective of storytelling, enhancing the narrative through a visual experience.
Born in Goroka and raised in Port Moresby, the 25-year-old has been capturing people’s stories since the tender age of 10, when she helped her father film church services, to spread the Word.
“My interest in storytelling started through church media, where I helped my dad in filming, narration, interviews and documenting stories from different local churches in our local mission area,” Varia says.
“That early experience really sparked my interest in using media to tell stories and connect people.”
Spreading the climate change word
These days, she covers a range of topics for EM TV, and she has recently been selected as part of the Pacific cohort to attend the Pre-COP meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu, ahead of the UNFCCC 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9-20, 2026.
Varia is one of four Pacific media professionals selected to be part of the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Pre-COP and COP31 Media Programme.
Led by Tia Soakai, Pasifika TV Regional Content Manager, the cohort consists of Varia, Riya Bhagwan from Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Wari Ila from National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) reporter Alex Dadamu, who will collectively cover Pacific Climate Change Week, from September 28 to October 2 in Fiji, followed by Pre-COP31 from October 5-8, culminating in COP31.
With the Pacific facing existential threats from the impacts of climate change, Varia says it is important Pacific peoples’ experiences and concerns are heard.
“We need to be part of the conversations that affect our people and our future,” she adds.
Pacific perspective to international event
The opportunity to be part of the Pre-COP and COP31 Media Programme sparked Varia’s interest as it provides her to cover an international event, from a Pacific perspective.
“As a camera operator, I’m used to telling stories through visuals, and I want to learn how Pacific media professionals can better communicate climate issues to our audiences,” she explains.
“We need to make climate change relatable to people’s everyday lives, and through strong visuals and real stories, we can show how climate change affects things like food, water, fishing, farming and our communities.
“I am also excited to meet and learn from other media professionals from across the Pacific and gain experience that I can bring back to PNG.
“This will be my first international work assignment, so I’m looking forward to stepping outside my usual environment, learning from others and challenging myself professionally.”
Visit Pasifika TV, the website, and social media platforms for Pre-COP and COP31 coverage.