Tokyo, Japan – 31 May 2025 – The Republic of Vanuatu, through the Department of Digital Transformation and Digital Transformation (DCDT), proudly participated in the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, from 28 to 31 May 2025. This high-level gathering brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from across the Asia-Pacific region to chart a collaborative path toward a digitally inclusive and sustainable future.
At the heart of this year’s meeting was the Tokyo Statement, a landmark declaration that sets out a shared vision for harnessing emerging technologies to drive sustainable, inclusive, and equitable digital transformation in the region. Vanuatu, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), recognizes the critical importance of this statement in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nations like ours.
Key Highlights of the Tokyo Statement:
- Universal Digital Connectivity : The statement prioritizes affordable, meaningful, and resilient digital infrastructure, aiming to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no community is left behind, including remote and rural areas.
- Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship : By supporting research, development, and the growth of digital ecosystems, the statement empowers Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy.
- Trust, Safety, and Resilience : The statement underscores the importance of secure, reliable, and disaster-resilient ICT networks, with robust measures for data protection, online safety, and rapid recovery from cyber threats and natural disasters.
- Digital Inclusion and Capacity Building : Special emphasis is placed on empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities through targeted digital literacy and skills development programs
- Sustainable Digital Transformation : There are calls for environmentally sustainable ICT practices, proactive e-waste management, and the integration of ICT solutions to enhance climate resilience—areas of particular significance for Vanuatu and other SIDS
- Regional Partnership and Collaboration : The Statement encourages multi-stakeholder cooperation across public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to advance digital transformation and support Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Vanuatu’s participation in the APT Ministerial Meeting reaffirms its commitment to the principles outlined in the Tokyo Statement. Vanuatu welcomes the focus on equitable access, capacity building, trust, safety, and climate resilience—priorities that align closely with Vanuatu’s national development agenda and its vision for a digitally empowered society.
Vanuatu will continue to actively support the implementation of the Tokyo Statement’s commitments through regional cooperation and national initiatives. By working together, APT members can ensure a connected, innovative, and sustainable digital future for all.
We look forward to collaborating with our regional partners to bring this vision to life.
