Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue Opens in Suva with Commitment to Regional Digital Transformation
The 2nd Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue opened in Suva, Fiji, on August 7, bringing together regional leaders, international partners, and digital policy experts to advance the Pacific’s digital transformation agenda. The meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to inclusive, secure, and culturally grounded digital progress, building on the momentum of the 2023 Lagatoi Declaration signed in Port Moresby.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications highlighted the country’s progress in bridging the digital divide. He said Fiji had deployed Starlink services to connect its most remote communities and was preparing to roll out a 5G network to ensure equitable access to technology.
“Fiji remains committed to the success of the Lagatoi Declaration,” he said, noting that these initiatives aimed to ensure no one was left behind in the country’s digital journey.
Acting ICT Minister and Minister for Police of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr., spoke on the strategic importance of the Pacific’s geography in shaping the region’s digital future. He described the Pacific as “a vast digital frontier” rather than a scattered group of islands.
He said the region’s expansive ocean and airspace should be seen as assets that could position the Pacific as a digital gateway between continents. He called for innovation in satellite connectivity, investment in undersea cable systems, and strengthened cross-border cybersecurity measures.
The dialogue will continue to explore strategies for building sovereign and inclusive digital infrastructure, with emphasis on cooperation among Pacific nations and engagement with global technology partners.
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