by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
The Pacific Wave Conference is an annual conference held to bring together ambitious youths, individuals, leaders and representatives from both the government and the private sector in and around the Pacific region, to discuss how the region can be empowered and driven towards achieving greater economic growth
This year’s conference, with the theme of ‘Prosperous Futures Through Technology’, was held in Auckland on June 10. The conference has gathered many participants who were vocal about bringing change to the communities in the Pacific region through ICT.
Now with advancing technology, many people today use mobile phones and access social media networks throughout the region. This medium has become a platform for many who use it to voice their concerns regarding social, economic and political affairs.
With studies indicating progressive outcomes of technology use in some of the Pacific countries, gathered participants believe the use of technology is important and can be used as a driver to achieve a common economic growth opportunity for the many communities in the Pacific region.
While access and connectivity remains a challenge for many, participants have discussed how these barriers can be solved in the long run to deliver better ICT service.
According to a presentation by Dr. Suella Hansen on ICT connectivity in the Pacific region, leading Pacific countries who have invested into using technology as a driver have progressed significantly, adding that ICT will drive economic growth in the region and the infrastructure will help to reduce poverty in the region.
This will enable improved capabilities, boost skills, and create new careers.
