By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have endorsed the Pacific’s first collective position on artificial intelligence, calling for AI to remain human-centred, safe and aligned with Pacific values as countries move to develop a regional AI governance framework.
The decision is part of a broader push by leaders to strengthen digital connectivity, cybersecurity and digital resilience while ensuring new technologies do not deepen inequalities across the Blue Pacific.
In their 2026 Leaders’ Communiqué, leaders endorsed the **Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technology Principles** as the region’s first collective regional position on AI and responsible digital technologies.
They agreed the Principles should guide the development of a **Pacific AI Governance Framework for consideration in 2027.
Leaders stressed that AI must remain “human-centred, inclusive and aligned with Pacific values”.
They said technological advances should narrow, rather than widen, existing inequalities and called for greater Pacific capacity, skills and digital sovereignty.
Leaders also highlighted the need to protect Pacific languages, cultures and traditional knowledge as AI systems and digital technologies expand across the region.
They said AI governance must promote transparency, accountability, safety and meaningful human oversight.
The leaders also recognised the growing energy and environmental impacts of digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, saying these issues must be addressed as part of a sustainable digital future for the Blue Pacific.
Leaders welcomed progress under the Lagatoi Declaration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific and stressed the need to strengthen cybersecurity and protect digital assets.
They also called for stronger national digital capabilities and greater regional cooperation to address governance, security and connectivity challenges linked to digital transformation.
Leaders backed a phased regional approach to tackling online harms, including the impacts of social media and technology-facilitated violence.
They highlighted the particular risks facing children, young people, women and other vulnerable groups.
Leaders also linked technology to the wider regional peace and security agenda and reaffirmed the need for responsible use of technology and innovation for peaceful purposes.
Leaders welcomed what they described as a major regional connectivity milestone, with all Forum Members connected to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time.
They said reliable digital connectivity would help reduce isolation, expand economic opportunities and improve access to essential services across the Blue Pacific.
Leaders also supported the establishment of an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office in the Pacific, with consultations continuing ahead of a final decision at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in November 2026.
They stressed the need for the specific circumstances and needs of Smaller Island States to be reflected in regional telecommunications planning.
Leaders also backed continued implementation of the Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan and work on a Pacific Regional Aviation Framework.
They called for stronger cooperation between the aviation and tourism sectors to improve regional connectivity, resilience and sustainable development opportunities, particularly for Smaller Island States.
Tuvalu will host the Fifth Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting in 2027.
The decisions place digital transformation alongside connectivity, cybersecurity and aviation as key parts of the Forum’s regional integration agenda, with leaders seeking to ensure that technology delivers practical benefits while protecting Pacific communities and values.
