In a speech marking International Youth Day 2024, Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of Parliament, celebrated the youth of Tonga while highlighting the significance of digital skills for sustainable development. The commemoration took place during the first Youth ICT Symposium at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, organised by the Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT).
This year’s International Youth Day theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights the transformative power of digital technologies. Lord Fakafanua emphasised the role of these technologies in enhancing various sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, and communication, asserting that they are essential tools for empowering Tonga’s youth.
The Youth ICT Symposium addressed how Tonga can leverage technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities for young Tongans to contribute to national development. Lord Fakafanua stressed the importance of digital skills, warning that a lack of these skills could lead to challenges such as privacy breaches, cyber threats, and digital addiction. He encouraged responsible technology use, including setting limits on screen time and developing healthy digital habits.
Looking ahead, Tonga will host the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Nuku’alofa, providing a platform for regional leaders to discuss technological challenges and opportunities. Lord Fakafanua reaffirmed the Legislative Assembly’s commitment to crafting laws and policies that promote safe and productive technology use, ensuring that every young Tongan can contribute effectively to the nation’s progress.
