Fiji is making substantial progress in improving digital connectivity across the Pacific, driven by discussions between Iowane Naivalurua, the Minister for Policing and Communications, and Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Their recent meeting at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed to collaborate on enhancing digital connectivity throughout Fiji and neighboring islands.
Central to their discussion was the urgent need for digital inclusion. Zavazava highlighted the importance of strengthening their partnership to improve digital access and implement capacity-building initiatives that focus on policies, regulations, and emerging technologies. Notably, despite the increasing global online presence of 6 billion people, approximately 2.2 billion individuals, primarily from low-income areas, remain offline due to affordability challenges, lack of access, and insufficient digital skills.
During the conference, global leaders from nations such as India, Kenya, and the United States committed to bolstering telecommunications infrastructure and fostering inclusive digital economies. For Fiji, this dialogue signifies a crucial opportunity to address connectivity gaps, particularly in remote and maritime communities, while modernizing its digital infrastructure and enhancing technological resilience.
This partnership is particularly important as Fiji strives to establish itself as a leader in regional digital cooperation. Recent discussions at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting have underscored commitments to creating secure digital environments and safeguarding personal data, steps that are essential in confronting the increasing digital threats facing nations.
Additionally, ongoing collaborations between Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and New Zealand’s Minister for Communications, Paul Goldsmith, concerning digital transformation and cybersecurity underline Fiji’s dedication to regional digital initiatives. This collective effort demonstrates a shared vision of constructing secure and resilient digital infrastructures that promote economic growth throughout the Pacific Islands.
Fiji’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 lays out a comprehensive plan for building a connected and digitally empowered society, showcasing the nation’s proactive approach in leveraging technology for inclusive economic development. By emphasizing the transformation of its digital landscape, Fiji exhibits a promising trajectory towards leading the Pacific region into a more equitable digital future that serves all island communities effectively.