Pacific leaders, officials, industry representatives and partners have gathered in Port Moresby for the Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week, reinforcing regional cooperation on secure, inclusive and Pacific-led digital development.
Hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Summit brings together governments, development partners, industry and civil society to advance practical digital priorities. Pacific Cyber Week, co-convened by Papua New Guinea, Australia and the United States with Pacific partners, runs alongside the Summit, focusing on cyber security, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, online safety and cybercrime.
The week will culminate in the Pacific ICT Ministers Meeting, where ministers from across the region will discuss connectivity, cyber resilience, trusted technology and implementation of the Lagatoi Declaration.
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 Mr Ewen McDonald, and Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Ms Jessica Hunter attended the opening of the Summit.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon Robert Naguri MP, said trusted, inclusive and resilient digital development was critical to Papua New Guinea’s future.
“As we accelerate technologies such as artificial intelligence, trust must be at the centre of our approach,” Minister Naguri said.
“Digital transformation depends on resilient and accessible digital infrastructure so that every province and district can 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.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the importance of digital connectivity in bringing Pacific countries closer together.
“The vastness of our space in physical location can be bridged with ICT platform infrastructure highway that brings all of us together in real time,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Papua New Guinea’s leadership in hosting these events demonstrates the country’s central 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,” High Commissioner McDonald said.
“Pacific Cyber Week and the Digital Transformation Summit are about turning ambition into 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.”
Ambassador Hunter said the events provided an important opportunity to discuss current and emerging ICT challenges and opportunities.
“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.
As partners and allies, Papua New Guinea and Australia are working together to support trusted digital development, cyber resilience and inclusive connectivity. Key initiatives include the Pukpuk Digital Connectivity Initiative, which will expand Papua New Guinea’s international cable connectivity, and the PNG Telecommunications Blueprint, an independent assessment designed to inform future investment and reform priorities.
Together, the Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week demonstrate Pacific leadership, the strength of the PNG–Australia partnership, and the value of regional cooperation in building a secure, resilient and inclusive digital future for the Blue Pacific.
ENDS
Representatives from Australia, United States, Tonga, Samoa and the International telecommunication Union (ITU) at the opening of Digital Transformation Summit.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100