Pacific Island Countries contribute minimally to climate change yet face severe impacts and vulnerable to rising sea levels, salinization, and intensified tropical storms. Recognizing the urgent need for innovative adaptation strategies, a project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) aims to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island Countries by developing digital governance frameworks that leverage digital technologies and data, aligned with the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) platform. Implemented in partnership with Jeju National University and supported by the APNIC Foundation, the project delivers a capacity-building workshop designed to equip government officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to design and implement policies for climate change adaptation.
This project responds to the Astana Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion and Transformation in September 2024, which requested ESCAP to provide technical assistance, policy analysis, and capacity development to promote digital innovation for sustainable development. It also aims to foster knowledge-sharing among members, particularly least developed, landlocked, and small island developing states. In addition, the project responds to the APIS Steering Committee requests for continued ESCAP support for countries in special situations (LLDCs, LDCs, and SIDS) per ESCAP resolution 79/10, the Astana Declaration, and the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026. The project also aligns with the ‘Technology and Connectivity’ theme of the 2050 Blue Pacific Continent Strategy—prioritizing digital capacity building in Pacific Island Countries—and supports the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS by enhancing vulnerable populations’ access to emerging technological innovations.
