The ITU Workshop on Digital Transformation for the Pacific has officially launched in Suva, Fiji, uniting members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), regional collaborators, donor organizations, and scholars to advance digital transformation and innovation throughout the Pacific region.
This workshop reflects the increasing emphasis on digital transformation among Pacific nations and is aligned with several significant global and regional frameworks, including the ITU Strategic Plan, the Pacific ICT Ministerial 2023 Lagatoi Declaration, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) Pacific 2024.
Discussions during the workshop will focus on critical topics such as national digital strategies, the ITU’s GovStack initiative for enhancing digital governance, cybersecurity measures, and the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In his opening statement, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications underscored that “digital transformation is not merely about technology—it is a crucial driver of governance, economic growth, and community well-being.” He also reiterated Fiji’s dedication to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and digitally empowered Pacific through the formulation of its National Digital Strategy.
Ms. Atsuko Okuda, the ITU Regional Director, addressed the attending participants, highlighting the ongoing digital transformation within the Pacific and emphasizing the need to ensure that no individual is excluded in the digital age. She proposed that the workshop serves as a valuable platform for evaluating progress, confronting existing challenges, and strategizing future initiatives.
Over the course of the next three days, attendees will exchange insights, confirm ICT priorities, and investigate innovative solutions aimed at nurturing a sustainable digital future for the Pacific.
This initiative represents a significant step toward uniting various stakeholders in the Pacific to foster a collective approach to digital progress, ensuring that all communities can benefit from technological advancements and economic growth. The collaborative effort is likely to lead to impactful strategies that will support the region’s development.
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