The Papua New Guinean government is hosting the Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week in Port Moresby with representation from Pacific island countries, including Australia.
The summit will cover discussions on cyber security, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, online safety and cybercrime and will culminate with the Pacific ICT ministers conference.
PNG’s newly appointed ICT Minister, Robert Naguri stated that trusted, inclusive and resilient digital development is critical to Papua New Guinea’s digital future.
“As we accelerate technologies such as artificial intelligence, trust must be at the center of our approach,” said Naguri.
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape stated in his opening remarks that Pacific countries should adopt a united approach to digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security. Marape said the region must work together to ensure technology drives development while protecting national and regional security.
“Papua New Guinea’s leadership in hosting these events demonstrates the country’s central role in shaping the Pacific’s digital future,” said Marape.
Marape said the vastness of the Pacific region, though separated by thousands of kilometers of ocean, can now be bridged through ICT infrastructure, digital platforms and communication highways that connect the Pacific in real time.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ewen McDonald said the 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,” said McDonald.
The Pukpuk Digital Connectivity Initiative is a key area in the discussions this week. It is anticipated to expand Papua New Guinea’s international cable connectivity, alongside the PNG Telecommunications Blueprint, an independent assessment designed to inform future investment and reform priorities.
The Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week demonstrate Pacific leadership, the strength of the PNG–Australian partnership, and the value of regional cooperation in building a secure, resilient and inclusive digital future for the Blue Pacific.
Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Jessica Hunter said both meetings provide an important opportunity to discuss current and emerging ICT challenges and opportunities in the region.
“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,” Hunter said.
Those present at the opening of the Digital Summit include 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 Ewen McDonald, and Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Jessica Hunter.
PM Marape, when reflecting on Papua New Guinea’s digital journey, said more than a decade ago, the government was already exploring digital initiatives.
“Looking back, it is remarkable how quickly this landscape has changed. ICT is no longer a side conversation within government. It is becoming central to how we deliver services, grow our economy, strengthen governance and protect our national interests,” said Marape.
He said today artificial intelligence is transforming almost every aspect of ICT and is becoming the dominant global conversation.
Marape said the issue had featured prominently during his participation at the World Economic Forum and the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where discussions centered on the rapid growth of AI and digital technologies.