Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia - The Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative, funded by the European Union, extends its efforts in enhancing digital readiness and promoting democratic engagement across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). 

This initiative focuses on two major components: (1) Increasing government capacity development; and (2) Partnering up with civil society organizations (CSOs) to protect the digital landscape from cyberthreats and supported through Low Value Grants.

The project aims to promote whole-of-society digital transformation through extensive capacity building with civil society and providing training to government officials on digital transformation leadership. By doing so, it seeks to make public service delivery more transparent and efficient, ultimately benefiting citizens across the region.

A key objective of this mission to the FSM is the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) Survey, a tool created by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to help countries identify their digital strengths and areas for improvement. Findings from the DRA are intended to inform policy-making and guide development planning.

The Low Value Grants programme addresses online vulnerabilities within the FSM. CSOs are leading initiatives focused on digital literacy, foundational cybersecurity, and combatting hate speech online. 

Currently, 11 CSOs from Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the FSM, have been awarded grants; three of these CSOs are based in the FSM, each playing a vital role in their respective communities.

"Digital transformation offers immense opportunities for education, economic growth and efficient public service delivery, but we also recognize the potential harms,” says UNDP Pacific Office in the North Pacific Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini. “Engaging civil society groups and supporting their work is crucial in developing an integrated approach that leverages digital transformation for inclusive and sustainable development, prioritizing people’s well-being.”

In July, a catch-up meeting highlighted the progress and achievements of these CSOs as they work towards creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment. The meeting also explored how UNDP can further support them in overcoming challenges.

One initiative "CyberGuard: Empowering Digital Resilience" in FSM, is led by Micronesian Productions in collaboration with Care Micronesia. This project aims to foster dialogue among government entities, businesses, and citizens to protect them from cyberthreats through education, ultimately creating safer and more secure digital spaces.

"A CyberGuard Forum is being designed to gather stakeholders to further delve into cybersecurity needs and to learn from each other's experiences," says Executive Director of Micronesian Productions, Nigel Jaynes. "To sustain efforts, we are also producing a radio program that will feature interviews with stakeholders and share information on cybersecurity with listeners."

Another initiative comes from the Ulithi Falalop Community Action Programme, represented by Executive Director Mario Sukulbech and Program Director John Rumal. Their latest activities in Yap State include the establishment of "Unite the Future," a pioneering think tank focused on identifying collective needs as a community and developing tailored solutions.

"We are conducting four workshops across four inhabited islands in Ulithi atoll, involving surveys and focus group discussions," says John Rumal. "The value is in the journey. When people come together and discuss issues, change happens during this process."

These gatherings are not only for research purposes but also instrumental in changing attitudes and behaviors within the communities. Additionally, leadership training for young adults and elders will be conducted to prepare the think tank members for the community immersion series.

Way Forward

The Digital Democracy Initiative plans to run workshops with the CSO grantees to enhance their capacity in using digital tools such as data visualization techniques and social media analytics. Moreover, a South-South Summit on Digital Transformation is scheduled for the last quarter of the year in Suva, Fiji, where CSO grantees will share their experiences and further their collective knowledge on digital transformation.

For more information please contact:

Sajib Azad | Digital Democracy Specialist | sajib.azad@undp.org or Francesco Ponzoni | Programme Manager | francesco.ponzoni@eeas.europa.eu