The Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation, Third Session was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 19 to 20 August 2020. The Committee session was held virtually via videoconference on 19 and 20 August 2020. Bangkok-based representatives from member States and international organizations were welcome to participate in person at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

The waves of information and communications technology (ICT) development in the Pacific subregion are so enormous that they cannot be ignored. A decade ago, no one could have imagined the rapid ICT progress and changes experienced today in the Pacific subregion. No one would have thought that it was possible for Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and even Yap and Palau to be connected by submarine cables. What’s more, plans are underway to connect the small and remote islands of Tokelau and Tuvalu to submarine cables.

The Philippines government is considering convening a public private partnership to manage the implementation of its planned national broadband network.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has approached the PPP Center with assistance in implementing the 77.9 billion peso ($1.53 billion) national broadband network project, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.