Day 1: Reaffirming the Vision & Direction

This day sets the tone for the Summit by revisiting Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation vision under the Digital Government Act 2022 and related national frameworks. It features high-level addresses from political and policy leaders to reaffirm commitment, align priorities, and articulate the roadmap for a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital nation.

1. Launch Segment: Launching of Digital Government Services (video presentation & demonstration)

This launch segment showcases how digital transformation is reshaping core government functions through the introduction of Digital Government Services, beginning with a live demonstration of the SevisPass & e-Recruitment System – a key reform under the Digital Government Act 2022.

1. Special Keynote Address: Regional Partnership

The importance of collaboration among various regional stakeholders to address common challenges and foster sustainable growth. The presentation highlights successful partnership models, innovative strategies, and the benefits of working together across sectors to enhance community development and economic prosperity. Key insights will be shared on how these partnerships can drive positive change and improve the quality of life in the region.

• Panel 1: Governing a Digital Nation
• This opening session brings together national leaders, policymakers, and key institutional partners to discuss what it truly means to govern a digital nation in the 21st century. The conversation will explore how digital transformation is reshaping governance, regulation, finance, and national security, and how leadership, coordination, and accountability must evolve to match this new reality.

1. Panel 2: Building a Resilient Critical Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity leveraging AI for PNG

This session focuses on the backbone of a digital nation, its critical digital infrastructure. As Papua New Guinea advances toward a connected and technology-driven economy, resilience across its telecommunications, financial, energy, and utilities networks becomes essential. Panelists will discuss how infrastructure reliability, redundancy, and security underpin digital transformation. The conversation will highlight opportunities for collaboration across sectors to ensure that PNG’s digital foundation remains robust, trusted, and future-ready, capable of supporting government, business, and citizen services nationwide.

 Panel 3: National Cyber Resilience Framework – Establishing National and Sector CERT Capabilities

This session focuses on strengthening Papua New Guinea’s cyber resilience by establishing a National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Panelists will explore the frameworks, partnerships, and operational capabilities needed to safeguard government systems, critical infrastructure, and citizens from evolving cyber threats. The discussion will highlight the importance of national coordination, private sector collaboration, international and bilateral support from partners such as the GFCE, ACSC, and PeopleIN in building a secure and trusted digital environment for PNG’s digital future.

Panel 4: Cloud/Data Centre Hosting Innovations

This session highlights the critical role of reliable, secure, and scalable hosting and cloud infrastructure in driving Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation. It brings together leading domestic providers such as Digitec, Datec, and APCS-alongside international leaders such as AWS, Oracle, and Alibaba, to share insights on cloud adoption, hybrid infrastructure models, data sovereignty, and government hosting frameworks. The discussion aims to chart a path toward a resilient national cloud ecosystem that supports secure data management, digital service delivery, and the broader ambitions of PNG’s Digital Government and Digital Economy.

Panel 5: Digital Public Infrastructure for Economic Growth.

This session explores how foundational digital systems-such as digital identity, payments, data exchange, and cloud services-form the backbone of a thriving digital economy. Panelists from Tech5, Oracle Cloud, NiuPay, and MuleSoft will discuss how interoperable and secure digital public infrastructure (DPI) enables innovation, inclusion, and efficiency across government and industry. The session will emphasize how DPI investments can unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and service delivery-driving sustainable economic growth in Papua New Guinea.

Demonstration of SevisPass, SevisDex, SevisWallet

This session presents a live demonstration of Papua New Guinea’s core Digital Public Infrastructure components-SevisPass (Digital ID), SevisDex (Data Exchange Platform), and SevisWallet (Digital Payments). Together, these platforms represent the foundation of PNG’s digital government and digital economy ecosystem, enabling secure identity verification, trusted data sharing, and seamless digital transactions. Showcasing how these integrated systems empower citizens, streamline government services, and foster an inclusive digital economy aligned with the Digital Government Act 2022 and the Lagatoi Declaration for a Smart Pacific.

The focus shifts to collaboration and innovation. Academia, industry, and government share platforms to co-design solutions that enhance interoperability, research-driven innovation, and industry linkages-showcasing how cross-sector partnerships can accelerate service delivery and economic growth.

Plenary 1: AI for Governance & Service Delivery

This segment explores how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize governance and public service delivery in Papua New Guinea. Oracle Cloud will showcase practical applications of AI in automating government operations, enhancing decision-making, and improving citizen experience through data-driven insights.

The discussion will demonstrate how AI-powered systems can strengthen efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the public sector, driving smarter, faster, and more responsive digital governance.

 Plenary 2: Google Pacific Cable

This presentation highlights the transformative impact of the new Google Pacific Cable system on regional connectivity and digital resilience. The project positions Papua New Guinea as a strategic node in the Pacific’s growing digital network, enhancing bandwidth, reliability, and international linkages.

The session will emphasize how this infrastructure investment underpins national priorities in digital government, cloud adoption, and economic growth, laying the foundation for a more connected and competitive PNG in the global digital economy.

Plenary 3: Starlink

The innovative satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX. This session covers its technology, deployment challenges, global impact on internet accessibility, and its potential to revolutionize communication in remote areas.

Breakout 1: Cyber War Game

Cyber War Game is a high-level simulation exercise designed to strengthen national cyber readiness and coordination between government agencies and industry partners.

Facilitated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and CyberCX, the exercise aims to test real-time decision-making, communication, and incident response capabilities in the face of simulated cyberattacks targeting critical national infrastructure. It serves as a practical platform to evaluate PNG’s operational resilience under pressure and promote a whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity.

Participants will gain deeper insight into the complexities of cyber crisis management, inter-agency collaboration, and the importance of information sharing. The exercise is expected to produce actionable lessons to enhance PNG’s National Cyber Resilience Framework, strengthen CERT coordination protocols, and identify capacity gaps for future policy, technical, and training interventions.

 Breakout 2: National Cyber Security Roadmap

This session provides a focused briefing on the development of Papua New Guinea’s National Cybersecurity Roadmap, a strategic framework to guide the nation’s approach to securing its digital ecosystem. The roadmap outlines key priorities for policy, infrastructure, capacity building, and international cooperation to strengthen national cyber resilience. This closed session brings together senior government, industry, and partner representatives to validate strategic directions, align ongoing initiatives, and agree on actionable steps toward a safer and more trusted digital future for PNG.

 Breakout 3: AI & Emerging Use Cases

This session explores practical and transformative applications of Artificial Intelligence across government and industry, highlighting how emerging technologies can enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. AI is no longer a distant concept, but it is now shaping how we process information, recruit talent, and make policy decisions.

This session will demonstrate real-world AI implementations such as AI for visa processing by NiuPay, AI for e-recruitment in the public service by SoftLogic Ltd., and will conclude with a discussion on the governance and ethical dimensions of AI led by an academic from UPNG. Together, these insights will underscore how responsible and strategic adoption of AI can drive innovation while upholding trust and accountability in Papua New Guinea’s digital future.

 Breakout 4: Research Showcasing

This session highlights the innovative research and academic contributions driving Papua New Guinea’s digital and knowledge transformation. It provides a platform for universities to showcase applied research, emerging technologies, and policy insights that can inform national development and digital innovation.

The session brings together presentations from PNG University of Technology (UniTech), Divine Word University (DWU), Western Pacific University (WPU), and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Their work reflects the growing partnership between academia, government, and industry, demonstrating how research can translate into practical solutions for a smarter, more inclusive Papua New Guinea.

 Breakout 5: Digital Government Standards & Compliance

This session focuses on the foundational legal and regulatory instruments that ensure the integrity, security, and interoperability of government digital systems in Papua New Guinea. As digital transformation accelerates, adherence to national standards and compliance frameworks is crucial for maintaining trust, accountability, and consistency across all government platforms.

This session targets the DTOs and aims to provide key insights into the Digital Government Act presented by Counsel Ian Kwaimani, outline the Digital Government Standards Framework by Benedict Sike, and explain the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) process led by DICT. Together, these discussions underscore the governance mechanisms that enable secure, connected, and compliant digital service delivery across the public sector.

 Breakout 6: Digital ID & Interoperability- Demonstration of Use Case & Consultation

This session showcases how digital identity and interoperability form the backbone of a connected and secure digital government ecosystem. It will demonstrate how SevisPass, Papua New Guinea’s national digital ID platform, enables seamless authentication and trusted data exchange across sectors, empowering both citizens and service providers.

The session will feature two live demonstrations: Tech5 will present on SevisPass & Use Case on financial inclusion, while John Burke, CEO of Kyudo Ltd., will demonstrate how SevisPass can enhance ease of doing business in the banking sector through secure digital verification. These demonstrations illustrate the transformative potential of digital ID in driving interoperability, efficiency, and trust across PNG’s digital ecosystem.

 Breakout 7: GovCloud

This session introduces Papua New Guinea’s Government Cloud (GovCloud), a cornerstone of the nation’s digital transformation and secure digital infrastructure. GovCloud provides the foundation for hosting, managing, and delivering government digital services in a scalable, cost-effective, and resilient environment.

The session will cover an overview of the GovCloud platform, its architecture and security framework, and the onboarding and management processes that enable agencies to migrate and operate safely within the cloud. Together, these presentations will demonstrate how GovCloud strengthens digital sovereignty, promotes efficiency, and ensures data protection across government systems.

 Breakout 8: Vice Chancellor Roundtable

This high-level roundtable brings together Vice Chancellors from Papua New Guinea’s leading universities to strengthen collaboration between academia, government, and industry in driving the country’s digital transformation agenda. The discussion focuses on aligning university research and innovation with the national GovTech Stack, ensuring that academic outputs directly contribute to solving real-world policy and technological challenges.

The session will also explore the establishment of university-based innovation and incubation hubs as platforms for nurturing young talent, fostering startups, and accelerating digital solutions for national development. The program will conclude with DICT’s presentation of support cheques, symbolizing the government’s commitment to strengthening research partnerships and building a vibrant innovation ecosystem across higher education institutions.

 Breakout 9: Digital Signature for whole-of-Government

This session highlights the critical role of digital signatures in advancing secure, paperless, and efficient government operations across Papua New Guinea. As the public sector transitions toward fully digital workflows, digital signatures provide the legal and technical assurance needed for trusted electronic transactions and document authentication.

The session will feature a pilot deployment presentation by DataCo and SignFlow, demonstrating how this technology is being implemented within the government ecosystem. The discussion will emphasize how digital signatures support the Digital Government Act 2022, enabling interoperability, accountability, and improved service delivery across agencies in a whole-of-government approach

 Breakout 10: Development & International Partners

This closed-door session convenes Papua New Guinea’s key development and international partners to strengthen coordination and alignment in supporting the country’s digital transformation priorities. It provides a strategic platform for partners to exchange insights, identify synergies, and reaffirm collective commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable digital development across governance, infrastructure, and human capacity. Discussions will center on harmonizing support under the Digital Government Act 2022, the Digital Government Plan 2023–2027, and the Lagatoi Declaration, ensuring that international cooperation effectively accelerates Papua New Guinea’s journey toward a resilient, connected, and digitally empowered society.

 Breakout 11: Public Sector Branding and Communications for Development

Public sector branding and communications are vital for fostering engagement and trust between government entities and citizens. This field goes beyond traditional marketing, focusing on creating a narrative that reflects the values and mission of public institutions. Effective branding and strategic communication play crucial roles in promoting transparency, enhancing credibility, and driving social change. As we explore these concepts, we will highlight best practices and innovative approaches that contribute to development goals within the public sector, ultimately aiming for a more connected and informed society.

 DTO Meeting

This exclusive session brings together Digital Transformation Officers (DTOs) from across government agencies to review progress, share experiences, and coordinate next steps in implementing the Digital Government Act 2022 and the Digital Government Plan 2023–2027. DTOs play a pivotal role as the link between DICT and their respective agencies, championing digital reforms, driving adoption of national platforms, and ensuring compliance with digital standards and policies.

Facilitated by the DTO Network, this meeting provides a forum for focused dialogue on practical implementation challenges, lessons learned, and upcoming priorities. It aims to strengthen collaboration, align agency initiatives to the national GovStack architecture, and reaffirm the shared commitment toward building a connected, efficient, and citizen-centric digital government.

This day celebrates youth engagement and digital talent development. Activities include coding challenges, gaming, hackathons, and digital literacy programs aimed at empowering young innovators and promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy.

Breakout 1: Modern Warfare Gaming Competition

The gaming competition brings an exciting and interactive element to the Summit, showcasing the growing influence of e-sports and digital entertainment in engaging PNG’s youth and tech communities. Featuring a Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) Battle Royale – Elimination and Final Round, this event highlights teamwork, strategy, and digital skill in a competitive virtual environment.

The competition promotes digital inclusion and innovation by demonstrating how gaming can foster critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy—key capabilities for the next generation of PNG’s digital talent.

Breakout 2: Coding

This session is designed to inspire and engage emerging developers, students, and innovators through hands-on coding challenges and demonstrations. It provides a practical platform for participants to apply problem-solving skills, experiment with new technologies, and explore real-world digital solutions relevant to Papua New Guinea’s development context.

The two coding sessions will foster collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence—encouraging participants to contribute to the country’s growing innovation and digital talent ecosystem. These sessions reflect the Summit’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of coders and digital creators who will drive PNG’s future digital economy.

 Breakout 3: Digital Skills & Cyber Safety

This session focuses on building the digital capability and safety awareness essential for citizens, students, and professionals to participate confidently in Papua New Guinea’s evolving digital society. As connectivity expands, so too does the need to promote responsible online behaviour, protect personal information, and foster a culture of digital ethics and resilience.

The two sessions will highlight practical strategies for strengthening digital literacy, cyber safety education, and online protection frameworks. The discussions aim to empower users with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and productively—supporting PNG’s broader vision of a digitally inclusive and secure society.

Breakout 4: End-to-End Solutions for Public Body Digital Uplifting

This session highlights practical, integrated solutions that enable government agencies to modernize operations and deliver efficient, citizen-centered services through digital means. It focuses on how technology providers and key government partners are supporting the digital uplifting of public bodies—from infrastructure and systems to workflow automation and service delivery.

Presentations from the APCS, Remington Technologies, and Datec will showcase successful implementations and innovative approaches that demonstrate how end-to-end digital solutions can transform organizational performance, enhance data-driven decision-making, and advance the whole-of-government digital transformation agenda.

Breakout 5: Microsoft 365 deployment for whole-of-Government

This session focuses on the deployment of Microsoft 365 across government agencies, a key step toward achieving unified, secure, and collaborative digital work environments within the public sector. The initiative represents a major milestone in modernizing government operations, enhancing productivity, and ensuring data sovereignty and compliance under the Digital Government Act 2022.

Presented by APCS and Microsoft, the session will outline the deployment framework, implementation roadmap, and security architecture that underpin this whole-of-government rollout. It will demonstrate how Microsoft 365 enables seamless communication, document management, and digital collaboration—driving efficiency and supporting the government’s broader goal of delivering smarter, connected, and service-oriented administration.

Breakout 6: Inspire Talk by Content Creators & e-Safety Ambassador Announcement

This session celebrates the creativity, influence, and innovation of Papua New Guinea’s digital content creators, who are shaping narratives, inspiring communities, and driving engagement across social media platforms. It highlights how digital storytelling, when used responsibly, can promote culture, education, entrepreneurship, and national pride in the digital age.

Featuring four inspiring speakers from different social media platforms, this session will share personal journeys, creative insights, and lessons on building authentic digital identities. The discussion aims to encourage responsible content creation, foster digital entrepreneurship, and empower a new generation of creators to contribute positively to PNG’s digital society.

Breakout 7: Spectrum Management Plan, 5G Deployment Roadmap & ICT Act Review

This session provides a comprehensive overview of key policy and regulatory developments shaping the future of Papua New Guinea’s digital and telecommunications landscape. As the nation advances its connectivity goals, robust governance, efficient spectrum use, and updated legislative frameworks are essential to enable innovation and safeguard national interests. The session will cover three critical areas:

• The Spectrum Management Plan, outlining strategies for efficient spectrum allocation to support emerging technologies and nationwide connectivity.
• The 5G Deployment Roadmap, detailing PNG’s pathway toward next-generation mobile networks, innovation, and digital inclusion.
• An update on the ICT Act Review, highlighting proposed reforms to modernize the legal framework, strengthen regulatory oversight, and align with the Digital Government Act 2022 and evolving industry trends.

Together, these updates will reinforce PNG’s commitment to building a secure, competitive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.

Breakout 8: Collective Efforts towards Combating Cybercrime

This session examines the growing threat of cybercrime and its implications for Papua New Guinea’s national security, economy, and social well-being. As digital connectivity expands, so too does the risk of cyber-enabled offences such as online fraud, data breaches, identity theft, and misinformation, requiring a coordinated response across law enforcement, policy, and technical domains.

The session will provide an overview of the cybercrime landscape in PNG and assess the effectiveness of the Cybercrime Code Act in addressing emerging threats. It will also discuss PNG’s progress toward acceding to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, a key international instrument for cooperation in investigation, evidence-sharing, and cross-border enforcement.

Together, these discussions aim to strengthen PNG’s cyber resilience, legal preparedness, and international collaboration in combating cyber threats and safeguarding the nation’s digital future.

The final day focuses on action and sustainability. It brings together partners to formalize commitments through MoUs, share feedback, and outline collaborative implementation pathways to sustain momentum beyond the Summit.