𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐏-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝟗/𝟎𝟗/𝟐𝟒

Photo Caption
Front Row L-R: Dr. Hugo Bugoro, Dr. Billy Fitoo, Dr. Raluca Eddon, Hon. John Tuhaika Jr., Mr. Luke Cheka, Prof. Sushil Kumar with participants from the workshop.

The University of the South Pacific has commenced a four-day workshop from September 9-12, 2024, at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) as part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-funded “Digital Democracy Governance Initiative” (DDGI). This initiative aims to bolster digitalization efforts in Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia through a human rights-based approach. The workshop brings together a diverse group of participants from various government ministries across the Solomon Islands to enhance their skills and knowledge in digital governance.
Led by Professor Sushil Kumar, Director Research at USP, along with Dr. Subhash Appanna, Ms. Margret Kensen, and Ms. Shailin Mala, the workshop is designed to support Solomon Islands in advancing its digitalization strategies and strengthening state-society relations.
Honourable John Tuhaika Jr., Minister for Public Service, opened the workshop with remarks emphasizing the program’s focus on improving citizen engagement, access to information, and government accountability through digital technologies. He highlighted the initiative’s role in addressing the Solomon Islands’ unique challenges, including cultural diversity and geographic dispersion, by promoting inclusive digital solutions that respect privacy and freedom of expression.
Dr. Raluca Eddon, Deputy Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, stressed the workshop’s importance in fostering a more inclusive and effective digital landscape. She noted that digital transformation is not just about technology but about enhancing people’s lives and ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving world.
Professor Sushil Kumar reaffirmed the workshop’s goal to support Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and FSM in advancing digitalization while focusing on human rights. The training will equip government and civil society leaders with the tools to deepen their understanding and commitment to digital rights and development priorities.
Dr. Hugo Bugoro, Director of Research at SINU, emphasized the significance of tailoring digital solutions to the region’s unique needs. He highlighted the workshop’s potential to develop innovative strategies and overcome barriers to digital democracy, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
Dr. Billy Fitoo, USP Solomon Islands Campus Director, described the workshop as a critical step forward in leveraging digital technology to enhance democratic processes. He emphasized that the insights and strategies developed will help reach remote communities, engage citizens in innovative ways, and safeguard democratic institutions.
The workshop will focus on building participants’ capacities to design and implement people-centered, gender-sensitive, and rights-based digitalization initiatives. It offers a platform for sharing regional and global best practices, aiming to enhance digital governance and create value for society. By fostering collaboration and promoting innovation, the workshop aims to establish a supportive environment for digital governance in the Solomon Islands, laying a strong foundation for future initiatives and advancing digital democracy across the Pacific.
For any information on the UND-Funded Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative project, contact Shailin Mala, Innovation & Grants Development Coordinator, Research Office at shailin.mala@usp.ac.fj
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