Pacific Information Communication Technology Ministerial Declaration – Lagatoi Declaration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific

Abstract

The Lagatoi Declaration, adopted during the inaugural Pacific ICT Ministers’ Dialogue 2023, represents a unified commitment by Pacific Island nations to advance digital transformation across the region. Ministers from 12 Pacific countries, along with representatives from three others, convened to address key ICT challenges, share success stories, and strengthen regional cooperation. The declaration underscores the importance of ICT as a driver of socio-economic development, inclusive governance, and sustainable livelihoods. It reaffirms alignment with global and regional frameworks, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Connect 2030 Agenda, and the SAMOA Pathway, while emphasizing cybersecurity under the Boe Declaration on Regional Security. The ministers committed to six priority areas: Digital Transformation Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Digital Infrastructure Digital Security and Trust Digital Capacity Building and Skills Development Digital Governance and Policy The declaration calls for increased solidarity, investment in critical infrastructure, and capacity building to bridge the digital divide and ensure a secure, inclusive, and prosperous digital future for the Pacific