LocationsDigital Leadership Training to Enhance Digital Readiness in the FSM
January 13, 2025
Participants and facilitator at the Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative Digital Leadership Training in Pohnpei.
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office has collaborated with the Federated States of Micronesia’s Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (FSM TC&I), Department of Justice, and the University of the South Pacific (USP) to develop the Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative (PDDI) Digital Leadership Training in Pohnpei.
With thanks to funding support from the European Union (EU) this work continues the commitment of strengthening the capacity of civil servants to effectively develop and manage digital initiatives within their respective offices in the Pacific.
Specifically designed for government officials, this event brought together representatives from Pohnpei State and the FSM National Government to include the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, TC&I, Pohnpei State Attorney General’s Office, FSM Department of Justice (DOJ), FSM Department of Resources and Development, and the FSM Public Auditor's Office.
This initiative was conducted to equip civil servants with the tools and skills needed to implement sustainable and citizen-focused digital solutions. By fostering digital readiness, this initiative enhances governance, improves public service delivery, and promotes greater transparency and accountability across the government and public sector.
The sessions covered digital governance, user-centered design for digital services, agile methodologies, and building trust in digital government. Participants also explored data usage and risks, leadership for digital governance, and strategies for overcoming barriers to digital transformation.
Opening remarks were provided by guest speaker FSM DOJ Secretary Leonito Bacalando Jr. providing his support to the PDDI, which represents a critical investment in building a responsive and future-ready government sector, as governments face the cyber challenges and opportunities of the digital era.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific, Kevin Petrini, emphasised the importance of looking at digital transformation beyond technology, focusing instead on improving people’s lives and ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly changing world.
“The digital future is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people. Our work here today is just the beginning of a broader, ongoing effort to support governments in creating inclusive and resilient digital ecosystems that benefit all,” he said.
Keana Segal, Assistant Attorney General at the Pohnpei Attorney General’s Office, expressed a strong interest in learning more about digitalization to aid in government processes.
“Attending this workshop has given me an overview of the project’s goals, and I am excited to share what I’ve learned with my office. I believe we can make significant improvements in our processes,” she said.
TC&I Project Officer for the FSM Digital Project, Rutstein Barnabas, expressed his appreciation for the lessons shared during the training:
“I learned that ‘digital’ means service. You don’t have to be an IT officer to offer digital service.”
Margret Joyce Kensen, Assistant Lecturer with USP added:
“Technology and digitalisation evolve over time, so reach out, collaborate, and we canwork together on refreshers and other activities. Never stop learning, never stop being curious and finding opportunities to enhance your skill set.”
Digital transformation brings incredible opportunities, but it also comes with challenges like digital divides and cybersecurity risks. By working together—governments, civil society, and the private sector—we can create inclusive digital systems where everyone has a role to play and a chance to thrive.
For more information please contact:
Sajib Azad | Digital Democracy Specialist | sajib.azad@undp.org