The Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Business Forum, and Expo from April 28 to May 2, 2025, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Hosted by Solomon Telekom (Our Telekom), the event brought together over 280 delegates representing more than 100 organisations from 30 countries, under the theme “Digital Nations in a Smart Blue Continent: Strengthening Digital Sovereignty and Connectivity for a Resilient Pacific Future”.
The conference served as a platform for Pacific telecommunication providers to share experiences, address common challenges, and explore practical solutions. Discussions centered on enhancing digital infrastructure, bridging investment gaps, and promoting digital inclusion across the region. Topics included cybersecurity and resilience, submarine cables and interconnectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cloud computing, and the future of the Internet.
Prime Minister Honorable Jeremiah Manele, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in the communication sector. He highlighted the persistent issue of internet accessibility, noting that under half of the world’s population still does not use the Internet. He called on stakeholders to address this challenge, underscoring the role of ICT and digital transformation as vital enablers of development.
The event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, and workshops designed to tackle industry challenges and promote innovation. Notably, the GSMA participated in discussions on advancing digital transformation in the Pacific, addressing challenges and opportunities in achieving inclusive, affordable, and sustainable ICT services. They also showcased a cell broadcast-based early warning system aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience.
APNIC contributed to the event by facilitating workshops on Internet peering and delivering tutorials on Internet security for industry managers and leaders. These sessions focused on building technical capacity and operational resilience in the region.
The PITA 29 AGM and Business Forum underscored the collective commitment of Pacific Island nations to strengthen digital sovereignty and connectivity. Through collaboration and innovation, the region aims to overcome challenges posed by geographical isolation and infrastructure investment, paving the way for a resilient and inclusive digital future.
