The National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy of Vanuatu

The National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy of Vanuatu articulates the government’s commitment to harness the transformative power of ICTs to achieve its National Vision of ‘A Just, Educated, Healthy, and Wealthy Vanuatu.’ This policy is designed to maximise the contribution, efficiency, and effectiveness of ICTs in fostering socioeconomic development, enhancing public administration, and empowering every citizen and resident of Vanuatu.

National and Regional Frameworks

Vanuatu’s National ICT Policy aligns with global and regional frameworks. The United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 67/195 (2012) acknowledges the potential of ICTs in offering new solutions to development challenges, fostering sustainable development, and promoting equitable economic growth. Regionally, the Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific (FAIDP) envisions improved livelihoods through effective ICT utilisation. It sets goals such as access to affordable ICT, efficient use of ICT for sustainable development, and adopting ICT as a national priority.

Objectives and Priorities

The overarching objective of the National ICT Policy is to maximise the contribution of ICTs in achieving Vanuatu’s National Vision. This objective is considered a national priority, with the policy directly contributing to the Millennium Development Goals, particularly by making new technologies available in cooperation with the private sector.

The Government of Vanuatu has identified key priority areas for ICT development:

1. Access to ICTs in Education: Expanding access to ICT infrastructure and services in educational institutions.
2. Access to ICT Infrastructure and Devices: Enhancing general access to reliable ICT infrastructure and devices.
3. E-Government: Promoting the use of ICTs in government operations and interactions with citizens.
4. Integration of ICTs into Sectoral Policies: Recognising the transformative potential of ICTs in various sectors such as health, education, and disaster management.
5. Building Trust: Addressing risks associated with ICT development, such as exposure to harmful information and new avenues for criminal activities.
6. Locally Relevant Content: Increasing the availability of content in local languages and relevant to local needs.
7. Capacity Building: Enhancing skills necessary for utilising and developing ICTs, particularly in the public sector.
8. Platform for Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Setting up a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective ICT development.

Implementation and Monitoring

The implementation of the National ICT Policy will be overseen by the Honourable Prime Minister, supported by the National ICT Development Committee, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), and the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR). The policy will be executed through a programmatic approach, emphasising results-based management and supported by a consolidated list of strategies, implementation plans, and sector-specific policies.

Funding for the policy’s initiatives will come from regular budgets of respective stakeholders, the ICT Development Fund, and the Universal Access Policy Fund. The government will also seek partnerships with development partners, international organisations, and the private sector to support the policy’s implementation.

An effective monitoring and evaluation framework will be established, with the National ICT Development Committee reporting on the policy’s implementation annually. The policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure it remains up-to-date and aligned with national and global developments.