Minister for Policing and Communications, Iowane Naivalurua has met with Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to strengthen cooperation on advancing meaningful digital connectivity across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Zavazava confirmed the meeting in a statement shared during the World Telecommunication Development Conference, which opened on 17 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together more than 1,500 delegates from 194 countries to chart a global roadmap for universal digital access by 2029.
“We spoke about our collaboration to advance meaningful connectivity in the country and across all Pacific islands,” Zavazava said.
“We also discussed strengthening capacity-building activities on policy, regulatory matters, and emerging technologies.”
The WTDC-25 opened with urgent calls to accelerate digital inclusion. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that while 6 billion people are now online, 2.2 billion—mostly in low-income regions—remain offline, often due to issues of affordability, access, and digital skills.
Global partners, including leaders from India, Kenya, and the United States, highlighted new commitments to expand telecommunications infrastructure, develop inclusive digital economies, and support secure and sustainable innovation.
For Fiji, the meeting will assist to map out ongoing efforts to bridge connectivity gaps across remote and maritime communities, modernise digital infrastructure, and enhance technological resilience.
Zavazava said the ITU looks forward to deepening its partnership with Fiji as the Pacific continues to push for equitable digital transformation.
