August 23, 2024
Minister for Information Communications Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu,presenting a copper beating gift to the Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister for Digital Transformation, Hon. Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Minister for Information Communications Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, met with the Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister for Digital Transformation, Hon. Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, at the Office of the Prime Minister in Nuku’alofa.
The meeting focused on advancing the shared vision of digital transformation and regional collaboration under the “Smart Pacific, One Voice” initiative.
During the meeting, Minister Masiu provided an update on the status of the Lakatoi Declaration, a pivotal framework for digital transformation across Pacific Island nations. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in areas such as digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation to foster a robust digital economy and society within the region.
“Digital transformation offers immense opportunities for the Pacific, particularly for our SMEs, to engage in e-commerce and enhance integration, collaboration, and information sharing among governments and citizens,” stated Minister Masiu.
“The Lagatoi Declaration, endorsed by Pacific leaders, is a testament to our commitment to these goals, and we look forward to its implementation in alignment with the 2050 Strategy.”
Prime Minister Sovaleni expressed strong support for the initiatives discussed, highlighting the importance of addressing challenges such as fake news, misinformation, and cybersecurity.
“We are very much in favor of using ICT as a transformative tool, but with that comes significant challenges,” noted Prime Minister Sovaleni.
“Tonga is committed to supporting the establishment of a regional office for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the Pacific, which will amplify our collective voice on the global stage.”
The discussions also covered the upcoming Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue and the integration of the dialogue into the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) structure. Both leaders underscored the need for sustained regional collaboration to address the unique digital challenges faced by Pacific Island nations.
Minister Masiu concluded the meeting by inviting Prime Minister Sovaleni to attend the next Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue in Noumea, New Caledonia, in 2025.
The two leaders also agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tongan Broadcasting Corporation and the Papua New Guinea National Broadcasting Commission, aiming to foster greater media collaboration between the two countries.
About the Lakatoi Declaration
The Lakatoi Declaration, established on August 28, 2023, during the Pacific ICT Ministers meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, serves as a strategic framework for digital transformation across Pacific Island nations. It focuses on key areas such as digital innovation, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation to achieve a unified and resilient digital economy.