Alofi, Niue – The Government of Niue is now in the process of using the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) tool to gauge its digital strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential opportunities that exist, in its digital space.

This comes after the tool was introduced to high-level policy and information and communication technologies (ICT) officials from across all key government sectors, private sector, non-government organisation (NGOs), community-based organisations (CSOs), and academia during the National Digital Transformation Strategy Stakeholder Workshop held in Alofi on February 22, 2023. 

The workshop is a critical component of Niue’s digital transformation journey. It undertook a nation-wide survey to ensure that a consultative and gender-sensitive approach is adopted in mapping out Niue’s digital strengths and weaknesses across the five pillars of the Digital Transformation framework, namely Government, Infrastructure, Regulation, Business, and People. 

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of digital transformation and the importance of using technology to build a more resilient and inclusive society. As a small island nation, we must embrace digital technologies to seize new opportunities, enhance service delivery, boost sustainable development and participate effectively in the global economy. By leveraging technology, we can position Niue as a forward-looking, digitally advanced nation that is able to meet the needs and aspirations of its people,” said Hon. Crossley Tatui, Acting Premier of Niue.

The DRA is a tool developed by UNDP to help governments take stock of their digital transformation pathway, and identify priorities and gaps across government, businesses, infrastructure, the regulatory environment, and human resources.

“The Government of Niue’s commitment to its digital transformation agenda is to be commended, as it continues to make considerable efforts to prioritise digital transformation as a primary objective, and as a key catalyst for the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals, and recovery from ongoing health crises, climate change and other current challenges,” said Jorn Sorensen, UNDP Resident Representative.

The functional analysis provided by the DRA will identify strategic entry points at accelerator fix points, bottlenecks, and gaps, that will in turn inform the development of a National Digital Transformation Strategy for Niue. This strategy will be a key enabler to building resilience in the economy and creating jobs, supporting the innovation ecosystem, and enhance the delivery of public services in Niue. 

The goal is not just digital transformation, but inclusive digital transformation. This is key to building forward better from the pandemic and the evolution towards a more sustainable, effective economy and society, resilient to future shocks, whatever they may be. This will also ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation journey. 

-ENDS-

For media queries, please contact: 

Laufaleaina Lesa, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa|Tel. +685 23670|E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org, www.ws.undp.org   @UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue   @undpsamoa