A program that aims to improve digital governance and empower citizens in the Pacific region, was launched by the United Nations Development Programme in Nuku’alofa, Tonga on 6 July.

The Pacific Digital Democracy Project is a collaborative initiative funded by the European Union and steered by the UNDP.

“This transformative initiative seeks to establish a strong commitment to digital rights and development principles among both government and civil society stakeholders,” stated UNDP.

Tonga, along with three other countries, are key participants in the Pacific Digital Democracy Project.

The Resident Representative ad interim of UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Ms. Yemesrach Workie, saidy the Tongan government had made progress in connectivity, cybersecurity, and the digitization of public services.

This would enable broader access for the population, “while also recognising the need to work together to tackle the growing threats of digital harms, particularly online disinformation and gender-based violence.”

The event offered a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital democracy in Tonga and highlighted the significant role of the Project in shaping Tonga's digital future. 

It also offered a platform to present the results of the Tongan Digital Readiness Assessment, that provided valuable insights into Tonga's current position in its digitalization journey, its aspirations, and the concrete steps required to reach its goals.

Government officials, civil society organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), academia, the media, and the private sector attended the launch event at the Tanoa Hotel.

The project is moderated by the Director of the Digital Transformation Department in the Government of Tonga, Mr. Andrew Toimoana.

European Union’s representative, Eleni Levin-Tevi stressed how the Digital Democracy Project is an integral part of the European Union’s broader efforts to promote a rights-based agenda for digitalisation.