In recent years, the Pacific has experienced significant progress in increasing international bandwidth (submarine cable and satellite) and domestic broadband access, improving cybersecurity awareness, enhancing emergency telecommunication, building digital skills and introducing digital services. Pacific Islands Countries have also embarked upon digital economy and digital transformation policies, strategies and plans. The ongoing pandemic (COVID-19) has further accelerated the need for accelerating the digital journey as it has significant economic impact (although a large number of Pacific Islands remained unaffected by the disease itself) imposed by travel restrictions.
Despite significant progress, the region is uniquely challenged by remoteness, lack of scale, shortage of skills and resources in addition to its vulnerability to disasters. Recognizing the challenges, it is important to adopt a comprehensive approach driven by partnerships to manifest Digital Pacific with growth, sustainability and resilience in mind. One of the Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative (2018-2021) “Addressing special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states, including Pacific island countries, and landlocked developing countries” sets out the expectations in this important area.
Outlines of topic: - experiences on digital transformation in the Pacific and impact of connectivity;
- concept of smart islands;
| Ms. Tupou’tuah Baravilala Acting Permanent Secretary, Department of Communications, Fiji
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