Tonoas Smart Island Digital Hub Officially Launched, Marking a New Era of Digital Transformation in Micronesia

Funded by the UN SDG Fund and hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Multi-Country Office (UNRCO MCO), the event celebrated the successful deployment of a cutting-edge digital hub designed to bridge the digital divide in one of FSM’s most remote communities.

Equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity infrastructure, the Tonoas Digital Hub is already operational, empowering the community with tools to overcome geographic isolation and limited resources. The initiative, a cornerstone of the FSM Smart Island Project, reflects a collaborative effort to foster digital inclusion, resilience, and economic opportunity, setting a precedent for sustainable development across Micronesia’s outer islands.

At the launch, H.E. President Wesley W. Simina emphasized, “This Smart Island initiative is a symbol of what’s possible when technology, community, and partnership come together. It’s a cornerstone of our vision for a more connected, more unified Micronesia.”

Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted that the Digital Hub holds the power to transform lives by expanding access to education, skills development, and opportunities, particularly for young people. He encouraged the community to fully embrace this potential to build a more inclusive, empowered, and prosperous future for the FSM.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, remarked, "The newly launched digital hub in Tonoas Island, within the Federated States of Micronesia, will provide the community with vital access to digital services and skills-building opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind. We thank all of our partners for their collective efforts, which have made it possible to bring digital transformation to even the most remote communities."

“UNOPS is committed to supporting FSM in building resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure,” added Mr. Tokumitsu Kobayashi, UNOPS Pacific Small Island Developing States Advisor. “By investing in connectivity and capacity-building, we are helping to lay the foundation for long-term social and economic benefits for the people of Tonoas. The next important issue that we should seek is to roll out this pilot case to other islands in FSM. ”

The successful launch of the Tonoas Digital Hub—already enabling access to telemedicine, online learning, financial services, and local governance—demonstrates the tangible impact of digital innovation in enhancing community resilience. This initiative serves as a model for smart island development and aligns with the missions to build sustainable communities and improve lives through peace and sustainable development.

ENDS

About UNOPS

UNOPS' mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners manage projects and efficiently deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement. Read more at www.unops.org and follow UNOPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

About ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int

About the Joint SDG Fund:

The Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund is an innovative instrument to incentivize transformative policy shifts and stimulate the strategic investments required to get the world back on track to meet the SDGs. Read more:www.jointsdgfund.org