Launch of the Joint SDG Fund in Micronesia

Ms. Lisa Kurbiel, Head of Secretariat, Joint SDG Fund

Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Your Excellencies

Esteemed Government Officials

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Development Partners

UN Colleagues

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Kaselehlie from Pohnpei.

It is with pleasure that I announce the launch of the UN Joint Programme entitled "Accelerating SDG Achievement through Digital Transformation to Strengthen Community Resilience in Micronesia” A programme that is funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund. A programme that intends to reach remote communities on outer islands. A programme that includes a pilot island or district in each of the five Micronesian countries. A programme that serves as a key catalyst for facilitating and accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati. A programme that bridges gaps to leave no one behind. A programme that I shall now refer to as the “Smart Islands Programme”.

Today is the first public engagement by the Smart Islands Programme that started last year. It will be a day during which we will share our plans and initiate new partnerships. A day during which we will appreciate the importance of digital connectivity in rescuing and accelerating our SDGs.

Digital connectivity has the power to revolutionize our work and enhance our resilience in the face of challenges. The Smart Islands Programme extends this power to remote and vulnerable communities.

In order to tackle the multifaceted development challenges in Micronesia, the Smart Islands Programme adopts a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach. In doing so, it acknowledges resource and institutional capacity constraints within the region as well as its vulnerability to climate change. Naturally, these challenges require a coordinated effort from all key stakeholders involved. Indeed, by building strong partnerships and synergies, we can pool resources, expertise and networks to maximize the impact of our interventions and initiatives.

The Smart Islands Programme brings together seven participating UN Organizations led by ITU, including FAO, ILO, UNOPS, UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNODC. Financed through a USD 3.8 million grant provided by the UN Joint SDG Fund, this Joint Programme supports digital transformation initiatives, solutions, and policy framework developments to digitally empower Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the Pacific Islands.

Each UN organisations plays its own role.

• ITU will empower remote island communities by providing reliable and affordable broadband connectivity, digital services, and essential digital skills training through its innovative Smart Villages and Smart Islands model.
• ILO will focus on formulating national employment policies that target job creation in the digital economy. They will also promote digital entrepreneurship and the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
• FAO will facilitate the digitalization of agrifood systems and nutrition, with a specific focus on digitizing Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) and developing e-agrifood systems strategies.
• UNESCO will support cross-sectoral digital policies and strategies, ensuring the right to information, data protection and privacy, and inclusive ICT in education.
• UNICEF will strengthen multi-sectoral policy, planning, and budgeting for Early Childhood Development and Nutrition.
• UNODC will expand maritime surveillance through digital connectivity and the installation of AIS base stations on remote coastal locations. This will enable the seamless linking with the National Operations Center for enforcement action.
• And UNOPS will provide its project management and digital procurement expertise.

Moving forward, this Smart Islands Programme will adopt ITUs Smart Islands model. A model that is built upon four key pillars, namely: improving broadband connectivity, making broadband affordable, enhancing digital skills, and providing digital services linked to local priorities.

Under these pillars, specific actions will be undertaken.

Firstly, the Smart Islands Programme will help to establish access to broadband networks for the delivery of digital services to all citizens, improve the resiliency of networks and connectivity, ensure shared broadband connectivity, and establish shared or common digital infrastructure.

Secondly, the Smart Islands Programme shall garner government support for Universal Service Obligations (USO) and establish public WiFi hotspots in schools, hospitals, and other essential locations that will make broadband more affordable and accessible.

Thirdly, the Smart Islands Programme will enhance digital skills through training programs, awareness campaigns, cross-sectoral collaborations, and initiatives. It will help to create community experts and empower the youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Lastly, the Smart Islands Programme will provide digital services. This includes service delivery platforms for various digital applications and services that support socio-economic development, including e-health, e-learning, e-agriculture, e-commerce, and e-tourism.

To foster sustainable and long-term success, active engagement and participation from the private sector will be essential. Its innovative drive and its investment power will be key in enabling transformational change that builds a better future for all.

Through the Smart Islands Programme, we are not only leveraging the potential of technology, but also nurturing resilience and empowering communities in the Pacific.

Together with government, development partners, civil society, private sector and communities, we can harness the transformative power of technology, collaboration, and innovation to break barriers, create opportunities, bridge divides, and build a future where no one is left behind.

Kalahngan ni wahu!