Vanuatu Establishes Department of Communication and Digital Transformation
November 24, 2024 10:33 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
The Government of Vanuatu has officially launched the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation (DCDT), marking a milestone that reflects the nation’s commitment to using communication and digital technology as drivers of progress, inclusion, and resilience.
Mrs. Cherol Ala, Director General (DG) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), commented on the importance of this development: “The creation of this department reflects a recognition of the profound role that communication and digital technology play in shaping our societies.
In today’s interconnected world, these fields are no longer optional tools but essential drivers and enablers of economic growth, social equity, and public good.”
The department is founded on three guiding principles: connectivity, inclusivity, and innovation, with the overarching goal of empowering the people of Vanuatu.
DG Ala emphasised the department’s commitment to building robust digital infrastructure across the nation, ensuring that every citizen, from urban centres to remote villages, has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed communication networks. This connectivity will form the foundation for Vanuatu’s digital economy, enabling advancements in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The department places people at the heart of its mission, focusing on ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. Initiatives will include digital literacy programmes and support for marginalised communities, women, youth, and vulnerable groups to enable them to thrive in a connected world.
The DCDT aims to serve as a hub for innovation by collaborating with public agencies, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions. T
hese partnerships will drive the development of solutions to societal challenges, from bridging poverty gaps to promoting technological breakthroughs. The department also commits to upholding ethical governance, ensuring data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure.
“This department is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical governance while valuing the criticality of state sovereign data and citizens’ privacy,” DG Ala assured.
The establishment of DCDT builds upon decades of progress. The ICT unit was first established in 2000 within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management to manage financial systems.
Subsequent milestones include the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2007, the formation of the Office of Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator in 2009, and the establishment of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in 2011.
In 2021, the Council of Ministers approved the transformation of OGCIO into the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation under Decision No. 146 of 2021.
This evolution reflects the growing importance of digital transformation in national development.
Since 2012, the OGCIO has received over VT300 million to fund policy development and manage the Government Broadband Network. DG Ala described digital transformation as a “strategic necessity for enhancing productivity and resilience.”
DG Ala called upon all stakeholders to support the department’s vision. She emphasised the roles of the government in creating enabling policies, the private sector in driving investment and innovation, and civil society in amplifying community voices.
She conveyed her gratitude to all those who contributed to making the department a reality, stating, “Your efforts are laying the foundation for a brighter future.”
