Monday 20 July 2026
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says Papua New Guinea must continue investing in digital technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Speaking at the opening of the Digital Transformation Summit 2026, the Prime Minister said technology is changing every part of modern life and governments must prepare now for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Drawing on his participation at the World Economic Forum and the World Governments Summit, Prime Minister Marape said discussions on artificial intelligence now dominate global conversations about technology and economic growth.
He said Papua New Guinea cannot afford to fall behind as AI becomes part of everyday life and business around the world.
“Artificial intelligence is now leading global ICT discussions,” he said.
“We must make sure Papua New Guinea is ready for these changes.”
The Prime Minister said ICT is already changing how governments deliver services, how businesses operate and how people communicate.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of digital technology in keeping education, healthcare, government services and commerce operating during difficult times.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Marape said digital technology will become an even bigger part of the global economy over the coming decade.
He said Papua New Guinea must continue investing in digital infrastructure to ensure people across the country can benefit from online services and economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister highlighted recent progress in expanding broadband connectivity, saying national coverage has grown significantly over the past six years.
He also pointed to the continued rollout of fibre optic infrastructure as an important step in improving internet access across the country.
However, he warned that greater digital connectivity also increases the country’s exposure to cybercrime and online threats.
Prime Minister Marape said government systems, financial institutions and businesses are already facing more cyberattacks as services move online.
He stressed that cybersecurity must remain a national priority and called for stronger cooperation between government agencies, industry and international partners to protect Papua New Guinea’s digital systems.
He said digital security is essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring technology continues to support national development.
Prime Minister Marape also encouraged greater cooperation among Pacific Island countries, noting that while the region is spread across a vast ocean, digital technology provides new opportunities for countries to work more closely together.
He said Pacific nations should continue developing common approaches to ICT policies, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to support regional growth.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s size and geography require solutions that meet the country’s unique needs.
With rugged mountain ranges, remote communities and a widely dispersed population, he said reliable digital infrastructure is essential to connecting people with education, healthcare, government services and markets.
He encouraged delegates attending the summit to use the discussions to learn from one another and develop practical ideas that can be applied in their own organisations.
“The conversations we have here should not end when the summit finishes,” he said.
“They should lead to stronger institutions, better services and new opportunities for our people.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s digital future will depend not only on technology, but also on the willingness of people to learn, adapt and work together.
He urged participants to remain open to new ideas and to use the knowledge gained during the summit to help shape a stronger digital future for the country and the wider Pacific region.
The Digital Transformation Summit 2026 continues until 22 July, with discussions focusing on digital government, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, connectivity, innovation and digital skills.