By The National Business
PAPUA New Guinea has gained traction in its digital transformation, says Information and Communications Technology Minister Timothy Masiu.
He made the remarks during the International Telecommunication Unit (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Romania recently.
He said this was reflected through three key milestone policy documents:
The PNG Digital Transformation Policy of 2020;
Digital Government Act of 2022; and;
Digital Government Policy 2023-2027.
Masiu said parallel to these policy documents, the PNG Ministry of ICT and the Department of ICT were re-aligning the country’s universal access policy, universal access strategic plan, and national broadband plan, and would be making amendments to its National ICT Act of 2009.
“PNG’s efforts are now shifting to the delivery of digitising and digitalisation,” he said.
“Under the Digital Government Act 2022, we are enforcing a cloud-frist policy, data governance standards, and using a whole-of-government delivery approach.
“While we are focused on delivering fast, clear, and simple digital services to our government, business, and people, investment in digital infrastructures (including internet governance), digital skills, and cyber security, remain a challenge.”
Masiu said the biggest lesson PNG was learning in its journey was that digital transformation was not all about technology, but also about transforming the mindset of government, business, and the people.
“It is about rethinking our approach in delivering change,” he said.
Masiu reaffirmed PNG’s position that the country would continue to support all candidates, and any proposal that reflected this focus.
“PNG is an emerging nation in the Pacific region, and we are committed to the ITU,” he said.
“We are also calling for support for the establishment of a sub-regional office in the Pacific.”
