KOLONIA, Palikir – Feb 13, 2024 – Representatives from Micronesian governments, UN agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations gathered in Pohnpei on February 12th for the inaugural Multi-Country Programme Steering Committee (MCPSC) meeting. The meeting marked a pivotal step towards coordinating digital transformation efforts across the region and leveraging technology to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Jointly setting the course: The MCPSC, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and managed by UNOPS, aims to strategically implement a joint program funded by the Joint SDG Funds. This program focuses on accelerating SDG achievement and enhancing community resilience through digital transformation.
Key initiatives:
- Digital Transformation Frameworks: With ITU support, nations like FSM, Kiribati, and Nauru will finalize these frameworks, providing a roadmap for digital development.
- Smart Islands Initiative: This initiative will showcase digital innovation in select islands, serving as a model for others.
- Sector-Specific Strategies: Tailored approaches will address unique challenges in areas like education, agriculture, and employment.
Micronesia takes the lead: Representatives from various Micronesian governments shared their progress and strategies:
- Nauru: Emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and learning from fellow nations.
- Palau: Highlighted its innovative digital payment platform for improved government services.
- FSM: Showcased its Digital Transformation Committee and Office, along with cybersecurity and data privacy policies.
Inclusive transformation: Development partners and civil society organizations stressed the need for inclusive digital transformation that caters to all segments of society, regardless of gender, ability, or socio-economic status. Additionally, enhancing digital skills at both community and government levels was recognized as crucial for successful technology adoption.
Building a resilient future: The meeting concluded with a call for fostering decent job opportunities through upskilling and reskilling the workforce. This, combined with an inclusive and enabling environment for digitalization, will ensure no one is left behind in Micronesia’s journey towards a digitally empowered and resilient future.