Thursday 21 November 2024
(L-R): Department of Information and Communications Technology Deputy Secretary Policy and Emerging Technology Flierl Shongol, Deputy Secretary Digital Government and Information Delivery, Russell Woruba, with USAID Economic Growth Office Director, Karis McGill and Anjul Mangal, USAID Pacific Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity, at the Gateway Hotel MoU Signing on Monday 18 November 2024.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have recently signed a partnership agreement aimed at driving digital transformation across the nation.
This ceremony marks a vital step in PNG’s journey towards improved connectivity and cybersecurity, with both partners expressing their commitment to empowering communities through technology.
DICT’s Deputy Secretary Digital Government & Information Delivery, Russell Woruba, highlighted the importance of the agreement and expressed gratitude for the momentous occasion, emphasizing the critical role that infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digitalization play in Papua New Guinea’s ongoing transformation efforts.
Reflecting on the partnership’s historical significance, Mr Woruba added that next year marks the 50th anniversary of our country, and this is a defining partnership for our future.
His remarks underscore the broader context of the partnership as part of PNG’s preparation for its golden jubilee.
The collaboration between USAID and DICT is expected to yield extensive benefits for the people of Papua New Guinea, particularly through enhanced job creation, innovation, and improved educational opportunities.
Ms. Anju Mangal, Chief of Party for the Digital Connectivity Cybersecurity Partnership Program (DCCP), emphasized the transformative potential of technology, highlighting its ability to create jobs, drive innovation, improve education, and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities across PNG.
The partnership aims to not only bolster project management and business processes within the DICT but also to promote inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Ms Mangal emphasized the importance of reaching out to often overlooked groups, highlighting the intention to re-engineer digital services through collaboration with the private sector and to engage inclusively with stakeholders, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Training initiatives will be an essential feature of this partnership, with a focus on critical areas such as cyber hygiene and digital literacy.
These training sessions aim to enhance the resilience of digital systems and secure sensitive data.
Ms Mangal also mentioned future collaborations with the National ICT Authority to modernize key policies that will further support PNG’s digital sector.
The partnership signifies a pivotal transition towards implementation, moving beyond initial assessments.
Ms Mangal expressed her excitement about the engagement, announcing that DCCP will be initiating a cybersecurity collaboration with Amazon Web Services, aimed at accelerating growth and driving innovation.
This partnership is not just about government collaboration; it also seeks to harness the power of the private sector to facilitate sustainable digital development.
As both the DICT and USAID embark on this journey, the promise of a digitally transformed PNG looms on the horizon, with the potential to significantly uplift the standards of living for its citizens.
As Mr. Woruba concluded, he expressed hope that this would set the path for the next 50 years, a sentiment that reflects PNG’s aspirations for sustained growth and development in the digital age.
The partnership stands as a commitment from the U.S. government to support PNG’s quest for a robust digital future, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach all corners of the nation.
DICT’s Deputy Secretary Mr. Russell Woruba and Chief Party of DCCP Pacific Ms. Mangal seal the agreement with a handshake. Looking on are Deputy Secretary Flierl Shongol and USAID Acting Country Representative to PNG Ms. Karis McGill.