New York, 19 September 2024 — The Republic of Palau has officially joined the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as its 194th Member State, marking a significant milestone in amplifying the voices of Pacific Island nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in shaping the future of digital technology.
“As a small island nation in the Pacific, Palau deeply understands the transformative power of digital technologies in driving economic growth, enhancing education, improving healthcare, and ensuring sustainable development,” said Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries of Palau. “Our unique position makes it crucial for us to contribute and engage with ITU’s initiatives, which are closely aligned with our national priorities and vital to our resilience and progress.”
During a ceremony held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Palau’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ilana Victorya Seid, presented the country’s instrument of accession to the Constitution and Convention of the ITU to Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
“This is a historic moment for the International Telecommunication Union,” said Bogdan-Martin. “The Republic of Palau’s accession as our 194th Member State marks a significant step in advancing digital transformation for Small Island Developing States. I applaud Palau’s government and its people for their forward-thinking commitment to digital technologies, and I look forward to this partnership to continue building a more connected and sustainable digital future for all in Palau, the Pacific region and beyond.”
Palau’s membership strengthens the ITU’s Asia-Pacific representation and underscores the growing importance of digital inclusion for SIDS. With a population of just 20,000 spread across 16 states and more than 340 islands, Palau aims to use its ITU membership to help expand access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in support of its development goals.
As digital technologies become increasingly essential to economic development, healthcare, education, and disaster preparedness, ITU works closely with SIDS to develop inclusive ICT infrastructure, promote affordability and access, and implement early warning systems for climate resilience.
Through initiatives such as Smart Islands and joint UN programs, ITU assists Pacific nations in accelerating digital transformation. Palau now joins 36 other SIDS as a full Member State of the ITU, deepening regional cooperation and global engagement on the future of digital connectivity. (Source: ITU)