Conference to explore Fiji’s digital future

Fiji's technology sector is preparing to explore the nation's digital future at the upcoming National Conference on Information Technology. Themed "From Vanua to Virtual," the conference aims to examine how the Pacific region can adopt digital innovation while simultaneously protecting its people, interests, and cultural identity.

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One of the key things in the global internet governance forum is the need to be sovereign and I think that is something very important for Pacific islanders to understand

Swaran Ravindra, Head of Information Technology Training at FNU, highlighted the critical importance of digital sovereignty for Pacific islanders. He noted that as technology increasingly influences daily life and communities, understanding and asserting control over digital spaces is paramount. Ravindra expressed concern that technology's pervasive influence could exacerbate existing social issues, such as drug use and teenage pregnancies, contrary to its original purpose of connection and economic support.

"One of the key things in the global internet governance forum is the need to be sovereign and I think that is something very important for Pacific islanders to understand," Ravindra stated. He elaborated on the potential negative impacts, observing that "things like drugs in the community, teenage pregnancies, relationships breaking, marriages breaking all of these things have something to do with the internet."

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things like drugs in the community, teenage pregnancies, relationships breaking, marriages breaking all of these things have something to do with the internet.

The conference will serve as a platform for Pacific countries to collectively consider strategies for building a digital future that is secure, productive, and trustworthy. For long-time sponsor Bondwell, the event offers a valuable opportunity for learning, innovation, and strengthening its IT solutions provision. The seventh National Conference on Information Technology is scheduled for August 27th and 28th at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, with sessions planned on digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital resilience.

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And it was there to help developing economies for us to share resources more easily but if you see what’s happening right now its doing quite the opposite in many cases.