It is a pleasure to join you all virtually today at the 2024 Aotearoa  Cyber Security Showcase. This is an excellent opportunity for us to share our vision for cybersecurity in the Pacific, which not only addresses the unique challenges we face but also reflects our values and ways of working as a region.

The Pacific faces a set of unique cybersecurity challenges—challenges that require tailored, meaningful solutions. Our approach at UNDP Pacific is what we call "Whole of Society Digital." This approach moves us beyond purely technical solutions and asks us to consider human rights, cultural values, and inclusive development. We recognize that cybersecurity is not only about protecting digital systems, but also about ensuring that these systems work for all people and support the broader goals of the Pacific community.

It's crucial to recognize that every nation within our Blue Pacific continent is, fundamentally, a digital nation. With our strong intra-regional diaspora and increasing connectivity, the digital realm has become an integral part of our Pacific identity and way of life. Whether our people are in Suva, Funafuti, Auckland, or Honiara, they remain connected through digital channels, making cybersecurity a shared responsibility that transcends physical borders.

Critical Challenges in the Pacific's Digital Landscape

As we work to strengthen cybersecurity in the Pacific, it is important to acknowledge the critical challenges we face as a region when it comes to digital development and resilience.

Firstly, there is the challenge of limited digital infrastructure. Many of our island nations have limited connectivity, with internet penetration rates varying significantly across the region. In Fiji, internet penetration is at approximately 94 percent of the population, whereas in Papua New Guinea just 36 percent of the population has regular access to the internet.  

Beyond connectivity, affordability remains a major issue – the cost of mobile internet almost 10 per cent of GNI per capita in Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, and close to 20 per cent in Papua New Guinea.  

We must also address the growing spectrum of cyber risks facing our region. These range from privacy concerns and data security vulnerabilities to online safety issues affecting our communities, particularly our youth and vulnerable populations. The rise in cyber-enabled fraud, identity theft, and online harassment demands our immediate attention and coordinated response.

Another major challenge is the lack of comprehensive policy frameworks that balance security with privacy and civil liberties. Many Pacific nations are still in the process of developing digital and cybersecurity policies, and there is often a need for greater alignment with human rights principles. However, we are seeing promising progress in this area. For example, Fiji's Parliament passed the Cybercrime Act in 2021, which came into force in November 2022, providing a robust framework for addressing computer-related offenses and facilitating international cooperation. Similarly, Kiribati passed its Cybercrime Act in 2021, while Papua New Guinea has implemented its Cybercrime Code Act of 2016. While some nations, like Solomon Islands, are yet to establish standalone cybercrime legislation, they are addressing these challenges through various existing legal frameworks related to Internet communication technologies.

The fragmented nature of regional cooperation also poses a challenge. Cyber threats do not respect national borders, and without strong regional coordination, our ability to respond to these threats is limited. There is a need for greater collaboration and knowledge sharing between Pacific nations to create a cohesive regional cybersecurity strategy that benefits all.

Lastly, digital inclusion remains a significant issue. In many parts of the Pacific, marginalized communities, including women, people with disabilities, and those in remote areas, face barriers to accessing digital technologies. This digital divide not only limits their ability to benefit from digital opportunities but also makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats. Ensuring that our cybersecurity efforts are inclusive and that no one is left behind is essential for building a resilient digital future.

Supporting the Pacific's Digital Ecosystem

To build a resilient digital future, we are taking deliberate steps to strengthen the digital ecosystem across multiple dimensions.

First, we are supporting the development of human rights-based policy frameworks that balance security with privacy and civil liberties. This correlates to UNDP supporting Pacific Island Countries to ensure that laws and policies do not trade off our people's privacy for the sake of security but ensure that both coexist in harmony.

Second, we are investing in capacity building, recognizing that the strength of our digital infrastructure is only as good as the people who manage, protect, and innovate within it. We are working with government institutions and civil society organizations to build skills and knowledge that will empower them to be proactive in the face of cybersecurity threats.

Third, we are facilitating regional cooperation and knowledge sharing between Pacific nations. As I noted earlier, cyber threats do not recognize borders, and our response must be equally collaborative. We need to build a connected, secure network that benefits from shared expertise and mutual support.

Finally, we are committed to ensuring that digital solutions are inclusive and leave no one behind. In an increasingly connected world, digital exclusion becomes a new form of marginalization. Our work is focused on making sure that all Pacific peoples, regardless of their background or location, can participate safely in the digital space.

Current Cybersecurity Initiatives

In our current initiatives, we are working on several key areas to bolster cybersecurity across the Pacific.

We are supporting regional cybersecurity approaches while also working with national governments to develop comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. These frameworks aim to protect both the critical infrastructure that powers our nations and the citizens who rely on it every day.

Furthermore, we are integrating cybersecurity considerations into our digital identity initiatives, ensuring privacy and security are built into these systems by design. This work is not being done in isolation—we are partnering closely with Pacific governments to strengthen institutional capacity for cyber defense, ensuring that our approaches protect not only data but also civil liberties.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, our vision for the future is one of resilience, inclusion, and shared prosperity. 

As a Blue Pacific continent, we must collectively build our cyber resilience – our digital antibodies, if you will – to ensure we stay safe online both as individuals and as nations. This means fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness at every level of society, from schoolchildren learning about online safety to government officials managing critical infrastructure.  

We will build on the successes we have achieved so far, and we will continue to learn from the challenges we encounter. The trust that has been placed in us drives us to expand our work to strengthen cyber resilience throughout the Pacific.  

We will also be developing new partnerships to support cyber capacity building—partnerships that respect and align with Pacific values and ways of working. We believe that the strength of our cybersecurity will be found not just in technology but in the strength of our relationships.  

Our work is focused on ensuring that cybersecurity measures enhance rather than impede digital inclusion. Security cannot come at the cost of access; instead, we must work to make sure that everyone has equal and safe access to the digital opportunities that can drive economic growth and social development.

Closing

In closing, I want to reiterate that the future of cybersecurity in the Pacific must be built on our shared values and our commitment to inclusive development. At UNDP, we are fully committed to supporting a secure digital future that empowers, rather than constrains, Pacific peoples.

Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge; it is a crucial element of building a more resilient and prosperous Pacific. Together, through our "Whole of Society Digital" approach, we can ensure that the Pacific remains secure, inclusive, and forward-looking in this digital age.

Thank you for your time this afternoon, it was a pleasure to join you.