Senior ICT officials from across the Pacific met in Port Moresby Wednesday to finalise recommendations for ICT ministers, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence, social media and implementation of the Pacific’s digital transformation agenda.
Opening the Forum ICT Senior Officials Meeting, Chair Lume Polume acknowledged the leadership of Solomon Islands in preparing the work leading to the meeting.
“Colleagues, before we proceed to the substance of today’s discussions, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the leadership of Solomon Islands as the Chair of the Forum ICT Sub-Committee and the Informal Working Group.
Under Solomon Islands’ stewardship, we have done important preparatory work to bring us to this moment, where we have papers with clear recommendations that will take our work forward in the implementation of the Lagatoi Declaration.”
“So on behalf of all Members, I extend our sincere appreciation to Solomon Islands for your contribution and commitment.”
Polume said the meeting would help shape recommendations for the Forum ICT Ministers Meeting.
“Colleagues, today’s meeting is an important opportunity for Senior Officials to consider the key issues that will be advanced to the Forum ICT Ministers Meeting.
“Our discussions will help ensure that the recommendations presented to the Ministers is practical, strategic, and firmly grounded in the realities and priorities of our Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.
He said the agenda would focus on the regional strategic context for ICT and key issues requiring ministerial attention.
“The agenda before us will guide our consideration of the regional strategic context for ICT, key issues for ministerial attention, including artificial intelligence, the impacts of social media platforms, and the implementation of the Pacific ICT and Digital Transformation Action Plan 2024–2030, as well as updates from our regional and international partners.”
Polume encouraged delegates to work towards practical outcomes.
“I encourage us to engage openly and constructively, so that our discussions can support clear outcomes and a strong collective way forward for Ministers’ consideration,” he said.
