Next Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue announced for August in Suva, Fiji
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – 29 APRIL 2025
Pacific ICT Ministers are building momentum in their regional campaign to establish a dedicated International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific, a drive regarded as critical to enhancing ICT resilience, coordination, and capacity-building across small island developing states.
Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, made the call during the opening of the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) in Honiara today, urging Pacific nations to unite in lobbying for stronger representation and support from global ICT institutions.
“Our governments are actively updating our legal and regulatory systems to welcome new technologies while safeguarding our citizens from digital risks,” said Minister Masiu.
“The Lagatoi commitments clearly outline the Pacific governments’ priorities. I urge you to align your strategies with these priorities and become our key partners in delivering digital transformation across our beloved Pacific.”
As Chair of the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue, Minister Masiu highlighted three strategic pillars of the regional initiative: unified representation on digital issues, regional collaboration for Pacific-specific ICT solutions, and the establishment of an ITU presence in the Pacific to address local challenges more directly.
“The Dialogue is centered around a shared commitment to harness digital transformation for sustainable growth and regional empowerment,” Masiu explained.
“Partnership and collaboration are the keys to our success. We must embrace inclusive partnerships—between governments, PITA members, the private sector, and development partners—guided by strategic policy frameworks.”
The Dialogue, launched in 2023 under PNG’s leadership, aims to support implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Its landmark output—the Lagatoi Declaration—sets out actionable priorities on digital inclusion, connectivity, cybersecurity, and policy harmonization.
Minister Masiu also formally announced the next Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue which will be held on 08 August 2025 in Suva, Fiji, with outcomes to be submitted to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September.
This follows bilateral talks between Minister Masiu and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Communications, Hon. Manoa Seru Kamikamica, during a visit to the PNG Department of ICT in March.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and agreed to host the meeting in Fiji’s capital.
“The Lagatoi vision symbolizes more than a simple agreement. It embodies our collective aspiration—to leverage digital technologies to unify, empower, and transform our Pacific region,” said Minister Masiu.
“It is a commitment to building a digital future that leaves no island behind.”
Key regional priorities endorsed by the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue include:
- Digital Transformation and Connectivity
- Capacity Building
- Cybersecurity
- Policy Harmonization
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
Minister Masiu reiterated that the proposal for a regional ITU office reflects growing consensus that the Pacific must have a stronger voice and presence in global digital governance structures to address its unique geographic and developmental challenges.
“We call for global support—technical assistance, funding, and expertise—to bolster our region’s digital future.”