ICDP holds the first Pacific Connect Network Dialogue in Tonga

ICDP heads to Tonga for the final Dialogue of the calendar year and the first of its kind in Nuku’alofa, bringing together emerging and established leaders to continue strengthening people-to-people relationships under Pacific Connect. Co-hosted by ICDP, Tongan Women in ICT and the Ministry of Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Government of Tonga, up to 30 Australians and Tongans will come together over two days to deepen connections through professional development activities, networking events and dialogue discussions.

To kick things off, ICDP Ambassador, Andrew Carriline, will deliver a financial literacy and education masterclass. This masterclass was recently delivered at the Brisbane Dialogue on Financial Education and provided attending Pacific entrepreneurs with the opportunity to increase their skills and learn advanced financial literacy tips specifically for entrepreneurs.

The Network Dialogue begins shortly after and will opened by the CEO, MEIDECC Mr Paula Ma’u and is facilitated by Andrew Carriline, ICDP Ambassador (Australia) and Simone Pensko, CEO ICDP.  The Dialogue will discuss how improved digital connectivity can transform traditional industries such as agriculture, education, tourism, transport, handicraft, government and health. The event will also focus on how emerging technologies, like blockchain, can be utilised to increase business opportunities between Tonga and Australia and across the Pacific.

Bringing together Community members and current leaders across government and business, the Welcome Dinner is always a highlight during Dialogues. Our first Welcome Dinner in Tonga will see the Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Minister of Education for the Government of Tonga, provide the welcome address.

The high calibre of delegates assembled in the room over the two-day period will certainly see some innovative responses to digital capability challenges facing Tonga and indeed the Pacific. Potential initiatives to come out of the Dialogue which will be further developed by all involved could take the form of a local technology innovation hub, a digital marketplace or a suite of capacity building networks and workshops.

Are you interested in how new technologies can impact digital capabilities across a range of sectors? ICDP will be providing live updates from all sessions on its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram channels. Don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter and website for the latest updates on projects coming from this Dialogue! Here’s to a wonderful time in Tonga with strong connections made! Malo ‘aupito.