Fiji is taking significant strides towards enhancing digital connectivity in the Pacific region, as Minister for Policing and Communications, Iowane Naivalurua, recently engaged with Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Their discussions aimed to foster collaboration that will promote meaningful digital connectivity throughout Fiji and neighboring islands.
The meeting, which occurred during the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, addressed the urgency of accelerating digital inclusion. Zavazava emphasized the importance of their collaboration in advancing both digital access and comprehensive capacity-building activities related to policies, regulations, and emerging technologies. He pointed out that despite 6 billion individuals being online globally, 2.2 billion people, mainly from low-income regions, remain disconnected due to affordability issues, a lack of access, and insufficient digital skills.
Global leaders, including representatives from India, Kenya, and the United States, made commitments during the conference to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and develop inclusive digital economies. For Fiji, the dialogue represents an opportunity to bridge connectivity gaps, particularly in remote and maritime communities, while modernizing its digital infrastructure and bolstering its technological resilience.
This partnership is crucial in the context of Fiji’s ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a leader in regional digital cooperation. Recent initiatives, including discussions at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting, highlight commitments towards ensuring secure digital environments and protecting personal data — an essential step in addressing the growing digital threats facing nations.
Moreover, earlier conversations between Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and New Zealand’s Minister for Communications, Paul Goldsmith, regarding digital transformation and cybersecurity, have further reinforced Fiji’s commitment to regional digital initiatives. This collaboration underscores the shared goal of building secure and resilient digital infrastructure that can advance economic growth across the Pacific Islands.
Fiji’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 emphasizes a roadmap toward creating a connected and digitally empowered society, which illustrates the nation’s proactive approach in harnessing technology for inclusive economic development. By focusing on transforming its digital landscape, Fiji demonstrates promising potential and ambition to lead the Pacific region towards a more equitable digital future that benefits all island communities.