Samoa took centre stage at the opening of the Commonwealth Digital Roadshow on 23 March in Port Vila, Vanuatu, with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Chair and Minister of Communications & IT, Hon. Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Tanuvasa Peto, delivering keynote remarks that set a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the event. The Honourable Minister congratulated the Government of Vanuatu on taking this bold and historic step toward accelerating its national digital transformation agenda.

The high-level opening ceremony brought together key national and international stakeholders, including the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to digital transformation, and the UK High Commissioner to Vanuatu, H.E. Nicolette Brent, who praised the CTO for its continued leadership in advancing the digital revolution across member nations. CTO Secretary-General Ms Bernadette Lewis also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the organisation’s rich 125-year legacy and the Roadshow’s significance as a platform for bringing technology directly to the people of the Commonwealth.

There were also a series of focussed sessions spanning both policy and practice, discussion on expanding connectivity, building trust in digital services through stronger cybersecurity, and an in-depth exploration of Artificial Intelligence – which our CEO, Leasoiloafaleupolu Ronnie Aiolupotea provided his insights as a panelist for.