UN-ITU to help develop ICTs in Pacific Islands
27 February 2009
A collaborative initiative by 13 Pacific Island countries to give impetus to Information and Communication Technologies for development in the region.
The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched new schemes to help 13 Pacific Island countries develop information and communications technology (ICT) in the region.
In a joint communique issued at the end of the Pacific ICT Ministerial Forum, held in Tonga, senior officials from the 13 countries called for greater coordination to minimise overlap in ICT initiatives and maximize the impact of investments in development projects.
The ministers, including two Prime Ministers, called for rapid implementation of regional connectivity projects and for reinforced efforts to create more ICT professionals and a workforce with technical skills.
"The Pacific Island countries have clearly stated their objectives and priorities," said Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid.
"ITU is fully committed to work with our partners in delivering results for the Pacific Island States."
The Pacific Island ministers also directed officials to work towards establishing a shared regulatory resource centre and urged regional States to make full use of ICT for early warning and response systems to improve disaster preparedness.
