The Republic of Palau became the 194th Member State of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during a ceremony at United Nations Headquarters.
Ilana Victorya Seid, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations, handed Palau's instrument of Accession to the Constitution and the Convention of the International Telecommunication Union to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin in New York.
Palau's membership adds to the presence of ITU's Asia and Pacific region and strengthens the voice of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the work of the organization.
“This is a historic moment for the International Telecommunication Union," said Bogdan-Martin. “The Republic of Palau's accession as our 194th Member State marks a significant step in advancing digital transformation for Small Island Developing States. I applaud Palau's government and its people for their forward-thinking commitment to digital technologies, and I look forward to this partnership to continue building a more connected and sustainable digital future for all in Palau, the Pacific region and beyond."
Palau's decision to join ITU comes as the country seeks to leverage digital technologies and embrace the potential of digital transformation to drive economic development.
“As a small island nation in the Pacific, Palau deeply understands the transformative power of digital technologies in driving economic growth, enhancing education, improving healthcare, and ensuring sustainable development," said Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries of Palau. “Our unique position makes it crucial for us to contribute and engage with ITU's initiatives, which are closely aligned with our national priorities and vital to our resilience and progress."
Information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) are critical for the island nation in the western Pacific, which has a population of 20,000 and is made up of 16 states spread over 340 islands, islets and atolls. Palau's main economic markets as well as social services can all be strengthened by integrating digital technology.
As part of its focused assistance to Small Island Developing States, ITU promotes universal, equitable and affordable access to information and communication technologies for all people in underserved rural and urban areas. The organization does so through the development of ICT policies and regulations, infrastructure and technology development, ICT applications and cybersecurity.
Given the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to climate change and disasters, ITU helps the island states set up early-warning systems and develop national emergency telecommunication plans.
In the Pacific, ITU supports its Members in accelerating digital transformation through projects and UN joint programmes in the form of the Smart Islands initiative.
Palau joins 36 other Small Island Developing States as an ITU Member State.