Pacific leaders, government representatives, industry stakeholders and development partners have gathered in Port Moresby for the Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week, highlighting regional efforts to build a secure, inclusive and Pacific-led digital future.
Hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Digital Transformation Summit brings together governments, private sector representatives, development partners and civil society organisations to discuss practical digital priorities and opportunities for the region.
Running alongside the Summit, Pacific Cyber Week is jointly convened by Papua New Guinea, Australia and the United States with Pacific partners, focusing on key emerging issues including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, online safety and cybercrime.
The week-long programme will conclude with the Pacific ICT Ministers Meeting, where regional ministers will discuss priorities such as connectivity, cyber resilience, trusted technology and the implementation of the Lagatoi Declaration.
The opening of the events was attended by Prime Minister James Marape, Minister for Information and Communications Technology Robert Naguri, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs Ewen McDonald, and Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Jessica Hunter.
Minister Naguri said trusted, inclusive and resilient digital development was essential to Papua New Guinea’s future growth and participation in the global digital economy.
“As we accelerate technologies such as artificial intelligence, trust must be at the centre of our approach,” Minister Naguri said.
He said digital transformation depended on strong and accessible infrastructure that allowed all provinces and districts to participate in the digital economy.
“Together, we can build a digital future that expands opportunities and ensures every Papua New Guinean benefits from the digital age,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the role of digital connectivity in strengthening relationships between Pacific countries and overcoming geographical challenges.
“The vastness of our space in physical location can be bridged with an ICT platform infrastructure highway that brings all of us together in real time,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said Papua New Guinea’s hosting of the events reflected its important role in shaping the Pacific’s digital future.
“Australia is proud to support Papua New Guinea as it brings the region to Port Moresby to advance practical cooperation on secure connectivity, digital transformation and cyber resilience,” Mr. McDonald said.
He said Pacific Cyber Week, and the Digital Transformation Summit were focused on converting regional ambitions into practical action.
“By bringing together governments, industry and partners, these events will help our Blue Pacific harness digital technologies safely and securely, in ways that reflect our Pacific priorities and values,” he said.
Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Jessica Hunter said the discussions provided an important opportunity to address current and emerging challenges and opportunities in information and communication technology.
“Australia remains committed to working with Pacific partners to strengthen cyber resilience, support trusted technology and ensure our region can safely harness the opportunities presented by critical technologies, including artificial intelligence,” Ms. Hunter said.
Papua New Guinea and Australia are continuing to collaborate on initiatives aimed at strengthening digital development, cybersecurity and connectivity across the country. Key initiatives include the Pukpuk Digital Connectivity Initiative, which aims to expand Papua New Guinea’s international cable connectivity, and the PNG Telecommunications Blueprint, an independent assessment designed to guide future investment and reform priorities.
The Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week demonstrate growing Pacific leadership and regional cooperation in building a secure, resilient and inclusive digital future for the Blue Pacific.
