The Pacific Digital Economy Programme aims to close the Pacific's digital divide.

The bold Pacific Digital Agreement on the Green Economy aims to boost economic growth and improve people's lives by making it easier for them to use technology. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) oversee the programme, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

It will help Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu to foster inclusive digital economies that support rural communities, women, MSMEs and seasonal workers as they increasingly participate in this online market, fostering economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Using digital solutions to give vulnerable communities more power

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme's goal is to build digital economies that work for everyone, especially the weakest people in the region. The program's goal is to close the digital gap by incorporating digital solutions into important areas such as farming, education, energy, and business. This forward-thinking move will not only make life better for people in the Pacific Islands, but it will also help reduce poverty and boost economic growth.

How we will achieve our objectives:

1. Support policy makers, regulators and stakeholders to improve their capacity, information and relationships to develop, monitor and regulate services for an inclusive digital economy.
2. Build the capacity and commitment of digital finance providers, mobile network operators and governments to develop and expand infrastructure and payment offerings for an inclusive digital economy.
3. Provide support to start-ups, corporates and other sectors with the capacity and network to build new businesses, and develop innovative digital services for an inclusive digital economy.
4. Support partners with the capacity, tools and delivery channels to efficiently build digital and financial skills and capabilities.

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme aims to significantly enhance the power of women, youth, rural communities, and seasonal workers. It will also focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Making sure that these groups are more involved in the online market is how the plan directly addresses both economic and social inequality.

Getting involved with partners and stakeholders

The project wants people to talk to each other and work together. We invite anyone interested in joining this exciting journey towards a digitally open Pacific to reach out to us:

• Send an email to pacific.office@uncdf.org.
• On Twitter, follow @UNCDF.

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme is a shining example of growth and new ideas in the Pacific region. The project, by adopting digital technologies and ensuring their widespread community benefits, exemplifies how digital economies can transform society and foster mutual growth.