Esteemed Partners, of the PITA Strategy Forum,
Enthusiastic Participants, Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka,
I am delighted to bring to a close, the 2023 Girls in ICT Day Pacific Event on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica and the Ministry of Communications. Although the Deputy Prime Minister cannot be with us today, he sends his heartfelt congratulations from the United Arab Emirates, where he represents our nation at the World Investment Forum.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The journey of empowering our young women in STEM and IT has been truly remarkable. This initiative was launched in April, coinciding with the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) “Girls in ICT Day”.
But what is “Girls in ICT” you may ask?
It is an initiative designed to inspire and equip young girls, aged 12 to 24, with tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital world. It is a movement that promotes inclusivity and diversity in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. This year’s theme, “Digital Skills for Life” has illuminated the path for our young girls to embark upon a journey of endless possibilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure to shed light on Fiji’s inaugural involvement in this year’s Girls in ICT program. Through a collaborative effort with the ITU and the United Nations Office for Project Services, we successfully organised a series of transformative sessions at Vunimono High School. Our partnership with the Ministry of Heritage, Education, and Arts has provided a nurturing environment for the growth and development of our young talents.
The outcomes we have achieved are nothing short of remarkable. Initially targeting a group of 30 young women, but the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm led to the participation of 55 bright and talented young women. Today, we are delighted to have four of these remarkable young girls with us, and I encourage you to honour them with a round of applause as a show of appreciation.
Throughout the program, the emphasis on “Digital Skills for Life” has been a guiding principle. Our efforts to promote safe online practices, along with technical sessions and insightful mentorship from industry professionals, have ignited a flame of curiosity and ambition within our young participants.
The invaluable experiences shared by those who have paved their paths in the STEM field have served as beacons of hope for those following in their footsteps. Noteworthy contributors encompassed the active engagement of the Online Safety Commission, esteemed professionals from the Telco sector, and youth peers who generously imparted their experiences from their involvement in the US Government’s Girls in Tech program.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Looking ahead, our aspirations for the Girls in ICT initiative are significant. We envision a future where industry engagement becomes the cornerstone of our efforts, where pathways to STEM careers are not just a dream but a tangible reality. We are determined to reach even the most remote corners of our nation, including those with limited internet connectivity and individuals with disabilities. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the agencies and individuals who have played an instrumental role in making this program a resounding success.
I express my deepest appreciation to ITU, UNOPS,
Ministry of Heritage, Education and Arts, Online Safety Commission, Vodafone, DATEC, and Digicel for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions. I also recognise the significant contribution of Mr. Savenaca Siwatibau from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.
In conclusion, I invite you to join us in commemorating the journey of these remarkable young women through a video compilation that encapsulates their experiences over the past few months.
Let’s continue to work hand in hand to support and encourage the upcoming generation of pioneering young women from Fiji and the Pacific in the field of technology.
God Bless us all and God Bless Fiji.