Press Release (14/10)
5th March 2010

A major step toward improving the spread and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the Pacific region has been made with the commissioning of a formal review into the region’s digital strategy.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has commissioned the review to assess progress made in boosting the prevalence and use of computers, mobile phone networks and other ICTs, as called for by the Regional Digital Strategy endorsed by Pacific leaders in 2005.

Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat said that although considerable progress had been made in implementing the strategy, the review would provide a timely update on progress as well as indicate where more work needed to be done.

“The review will consist of an assessment of the current state of ICT capacity and usage in the Forum Island Countries (FICs),” Mr Slade said. “Its recommendations will be used to help revise and update the Regional Digital Strategy, with the ultimate goal of boosting ICT use.”

The Regional Digital Strategy was developed as an essential component of the Pacific Plan, which Forum Leaders endorsed in 2005 with a view to improving the uptake and use of ICTs in the region.

Mr Slade said the Forum Secretariat would work closely with relevant Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies - especially the Secretariat of the Pacific Community – as well as development partners and industry stakeholders as part of comprehensive consultations, and that the review’s recommendations reflect the needs of member countries in increasing the reach and use of information and communication technologies in the region.

The revised draft Digital Strategy is expected to be completed by June this year and will be presented to Forum Members for endorsement.

ENDS.

For media enquiries, contact Mr Johnson Honimae, the Forum Secretariat’s Media Officer on phone 679 331 2600 or email johnsonh@forumsec.org.fj.