The Cook Islands has released a Digital Strategy Workplan for 2024, which outlines a phased approach to implementing the strategy recommendations. The strategy focuses on building reliable, affordable, accessible, and high-quality digital infrastructure, building digital government capacity, shaping the digital skills of public servants, and shaping an enabling environment. The strategy aims to position the Cook Islands as a digital leader in the Pacific and to attract talent and investment.
The key objectives of the Digital Strategy for the Cook Islands include:
Building Reliable, Affordable, Accessible, and High-Quality Digital Infrastructure:
- Upgrading network infrastructure across the Cook Islands.
- Undertaking a network resilience and redundancy review.
- Developing a roadmap for proactive maintenance of digital infrastructure.
- Upgrading connectivity across the Pa Enua, including full fibre infrastructure.
- Delivering high-speed connectivity across the islands, aiming for at least 80% of homes in Rarotonga and 70% of homes in Aitutaki to have access to high-speed connectivity by 2028[1].
Building Digital Government Capacity:
- Establishing a focused Digital Working Group with representation from each government ministry.
- Driving open data policies and processes, focusing on improving data sharing within and beyond the government.
- Ensuring that government digital capacities and capabilities align with the digital needs of all Cook Islanders, including the Pa Enua.
- Exploring the scope for a dedicated Ministry of ICT to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to digital transformation[1].
Shaping an Enabling Environment:
- Ensuring that digital works for all Cook Islanders, improving access to data and devices, and providing a sustainable approach to managing e-waste.
- Keeping Cook Islanders safe in the digital and online worlds, particularly marginalised and vulnerable populations, by improving cybersecurity awareness and building robust digital and cyber protections.
- Exploring opportunities to bring new, unheard, and under-heard voices into digital decision-making, including engaging with the private sector and civil society across the islands, particularly in the Pa Enua and amongst other marginalised and vulnerable communities[1].
These objectives reflect the Cook Islands’ commitment to building a strong digital infrastructure, enhancing digital government capacity, and creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and inclusion. The strategy demonstrates a holistic approach to digital transformation, encompassing not only technological aspects but also the development of human capital and the promotion of inclusivity. The strategy’s emphasis on open data policies, and cybersecurity reflects a forward-thinking and inclusive approach. The gender mainstreaming in digital initiatives is sexist and should probably be removed as it is discriminatory.
The document also highlights the government’s commitment to regular monitoring and evaluation of progress, as well as the establishment of a Government Innovation Unit and a Digital Working Group. These mechanisms are essential for ensuring the strategy’s effective implementation and the achievement of its objectives.
The strategy would benefit from a more detailed examination of the specific action plans, timelines, and resource allocation for each objective. Additionally, the document would be strengthened by a clear outline of the potential challenges and risks associated with the strategy, along with mitigation measures.
Overall, the Digital Strategy Workplan for the Cook Islands presents a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap for the country’s digital transformation. Its success will depend on the effective implementation of the proposed initiatives and the government’s ability to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Citations:
[1] Cook Islands Digital Strategy Workplan