Expansion of SIV in the Pacific: Niue Hans Dencker Thulstrup UNESCO Office for the Pacific States Apia, Samoa

SIV Partnerships Considerable awarneess of SIV in Pacific in particular through the Global Forum Partnerships are needed in order to ensure continued support for SIV activities SIV Global awareness used as a springboard for the establishment of new partnerships for the SIV Youth Internet Forum

Visibility of SIV Global Articles reprinted in newspapers, referred in broadcast media (Palau, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji) References to SIV global made by donor agencies, governments, NGO community SIV Global topics referred to and advanced at public forums, events (Samoa water sector stakeholders’ meeting, Siumu, Upolu, 2005) “Thanks so much for sending us this article and feel free to send more in the future....we'll publish it in our paper and do inform us where we can send you a copy” Editor, Diario Belau, 2002

Niue – a brief overview One of the smallest countries in the Pacific (currently 1,200-1,500 inhabitants) Unique Western Polynesian culture and language Raised coral atoll located in central South Pacific Ocean Considerable depopulation through migration to New Zealand Severe damage from cyclone Heta in January 2004 increased challenges to sustainable development

UNDP ICT for Development in Niue “The development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for a small and isolated country like Niue is paramount in the Government’s plans to minimize distances between Niueans living overseas and their homeland, as well as increase their access to vital information about national issues and development plans. It is their vision to build up the confidence of Niueans in their country and their Government”

Overall project goal Reduction of poverty and vulnerabilities through improved access to basic services

Key project indicators 1. e-Government system and Internal ing system established and competently utilized by the civil service 2.An ICT Training Facility established and providing training for all Niueans in Internet usage and ing, resulting in their increased access to information and greater participation in national decision-making

Infrastructure and content While the UNDP project will provide the infrastructure required for Niue schools and the general public to benefit from the Internet… …it will NOT in itself provide the relevant, appropriate CONTENT that will spark an interest in using ICT’s for development! SIV provides that content – through interregional networking under the Youth Internet Network

Thank you very much! …questions are very welcome!