Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers are backing new regional principles for artificial intelligence and a safer digital environment as the Pacific enters a new phase of connectivity, with all Forum Members now connected to undersea telecommunications cables.
Ministers supported the Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technology Principles for consideration by Forum Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
They also backed the development of a regional AI Governance Framework, with the principles to provide an input into the framework and be tested and adapted before being considered by Leaders in 2027.
The Ministers’ decisions were made at the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting as Pacific countries respond to the rapid growth of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Ministers also supported the development of a Pacific Regional Approach to Safer Digital Spaces, following Leaders’ concerns over the negative impacts of social media platforms on young people and the wider population.
The approach will be developed in phases, including shared policy principles, engagement with digital platforms and practical capacity-building.
Ministers recognised the close link between technology and the broader regional security agenda, including the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.
They stressed the importance of responsible use of technology and innovation and ensuring technology is used for peaceful purposes.
Forum Foreign Ministers also supported the establishment of an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office in the Pacific and encouraged consideration of the needs of Smaller Island States.
Further consultations will be held on options for an ITU presence in the region, with a final decision expected at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in November 2026.
Ministers acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s leadership on ICT issues and reaffirmed support for the Lagatoi Declaration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific.
They also recognised the rapid development of digital economies across the region.
Australia provided an update on regional connectivity, with Ministers welcoming a major milestone that means all Pacific Islands Forum Members are now connected to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time.
The development is expected to strengthen regional digital connectivity and provide greater access to communications and digital services across the Pacific.
Ministers also considered developments in regional aviation, including outcomes from the 4th Regional Aviation Ministers’ Meeting.
They supported continued implementation of the Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan (PRAAP), the establishment of the Regional Regulatory Approach Working Group and the International Civil Aviation Organisation Implementation Support Roadmap.
They also backed continued development of a Pacific Regional Aviation Framework.
The next Regional Aviation Ministers’ Meeting will be held in 2027 and hosted by Tuvalu.
The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) will continue supporting implementation of the endorsed regional aviation frameworks.
