In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital transformation is no longer just an option—it is a necessity.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), has the opportunity to embrace technology as a key component to building a resilient, equitable, and prosperous future. Digitalization can unlock new opportunities for addressing key national security issues, which in the FSM context are a primary responsibility of the national government upon its own initiative and in collaboration with allies and international partners across the Pacific Region and beyond.  Numerous opportunities and challenges touch upon priority areas on economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing connectivity across the islands. Achieving these benefits requires strategic, realistic, bold, practical and coordinated steps that truly reflect FSM’s unique cultural, geographical and structural context.

Building an Inclusive, Citizen-Centered Digital Future

FSM’s federal system of government, with its four states—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae—offers both challenges and opportunities for digital transformation. While it requires balancing of national and state strategies and priorities, it also enables localized, community-driven solutions. By placing citizens at the center of digitalization efforts, FSM can leverage its collective values to create systems that are inclusive, resilient, and reflective of its diverse society.

A key principle of this transformation is ensuring that citizens are safe, not just passive recipients of digital services but active participants of meaningful development. Successful digitalization begins with understanding citizens’ needs and empowering them with digital literacy and tools to co-create solutions. Such participation fosters ownership and trust, ensuring that digital initiatives align with real-world priorities.

The Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative (PDDI), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in four countries including the FSM, exemplifies the “Citizens, Not Customers” principle. By fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, media, and the private sector, PDDI strengthens state-society relations and promotes human-centered digital development. Its Whole of Society (WOS) approach ensures that digitalization aligns with national security priorities, respects human rights, promotes gender-sensitive democracy, and empowers communities.

A highlight of PDDI activities in the FSM was partnering with civil society organizations such as Micronesian Productions, Care Micronesia Foundation, and Ulithi Falalop Community Action Program in Yap to enhance digital literacy and amplify community voices. These partnerships, facilitated through targeted low-value grants, enabled these organizations to implement their visions and contribute meaningfully to digital transformation efforts.

Strengthening Digital Resilience and National Security

Addressing cybersecurity in digital transformation emphasizes the shift from a technocentric focus to a WOS approach. While technology remains crucial, sustainable cybersecurity depends on community awareness, education, and partnerships. As we build digital systems, we must ensure they protect privacy, promote freedom of expression, and uphold democratic values that are central to FSM's society.

In 2024, the first of its kind symposium on “Strengthening FSM National Security in the Digital Age”, an initiative by the FSM Department of Justice with technical support from UNDP, brought together policymakers, technical experts, and stakeholders to address cybersecurity threats and build resilience—one that addresses, among important priorities, national security risks and challenges facing the FSM as a whole.  Key to this initiative is organizing the human resource capacity of the nation in the areas of IT and ICT that can be instrumental in developing a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the event of cybersecurity attacks and challenges. This was a significant step for the country, potentially paving the way for a regional cooperation and fostering knowledge-sharing and strategic collaboration with its North Pacific neighbors to address common challenges in the future.

Digital transformation also supports FSM’s efforts to address climate change. By integrating technology into disaster risk management, early warning systems, and climate monitoring, FSM can enhance its ability to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. Digital platforms enable better data sharing, streamline response coordination, and empower communities with timely information to protect lives and livelihoods.

Fostering a Digital-Ready FSM

While digital transformation offers immense opportunities, we must ensure these benefits reach all citizens. This means addressing affordability of services, improving access in remote areas, and ensuring no one is left behind in our digital journey. Its success hinges on the readiness of government agencies, civil servants, and citizens to adapt and thrive in a digital environment. To support this, a leadership training to enhance digital readiness was recently conducted in Pohnpei to equip civil servants with the tools and skills needed to implement sustainable and citizen-focused digital solutions. Such efforts must be expanded to ensure widespread digital literacy and inclusion.

Moving forward, FSM must prioritize the following steps to ensure that digital transformation is sustainable and impactful:

1. Developing a National Digital Strategy, a roadmap that balances national goals with state priorities and ensures inclusivity.
2. Engaging communities to co-create digital solutions that reflect their needs and values.
3. Enhancing National Security through effective cybersecurity measures and building resilience through education, partnerships, and technology while fostering trust.
4. Leveraging digital tools for Climate Resilience where technology is used to monitor, adapt to, and mitigate climate risks.
5. Promoting regional cooperation and collaborate with North Pacific neighbors to share resources, knowledge, and best practices.

By taking these steps, FSM can establish a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital foundation. With strong leadership, strategic investments, and collaboration, FSM can harness technology to improve lives, strengthen governance, and enhance resilience to global challenges. Furthermore, as we embrace digital tools, we must also protect our communities from emerging digital risks - from online misinformation to cyberbullying. Building digital resilience means equipping citizens with both tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges safely.

The path to digital transformation may seem daunting, but FSM’s unique cultural strengths, combined with regional partnerships and citizen engagement, position it to lead the Pacific into a digitally empowered future. Together, we can ensure that digitalization serves as a tool for progress, equity, and resilience.

This op-ed is co-authored by Leonito Bacalando Jr. - Secretary, FSM Department of Justice, and Kevin Petrini - Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP North Pacific Office.