Launching of the Tonga Digital Government Support Project Featured
21 July 2021. The Prime Minister of Tonga, Honorable Dr. Pohiva Tu’ionetoa was the Guest of Honour at the launching of the Tonga Digital Government Support Project (TDGSP) which was hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held at the NRBT conference room.
The Tonga Digital Government Support Project (TDGSP) is a support program funded and administered by the World Bank. TDGSP’s efforts focus on building an enabling environment with a view on continuous improvements for the Government of Tonga and related agencies.
It was identified that the legal and regulatory framework as well as the Cyber Security framework needed to be in place to set the ‘enabling environment’ for other necessary frameworks to come into place.
The Digital Government Strategic Plan 2019-2024 (DGSP) was established and approved by Cabinet in 2019 to serve as a framework that outlines Tonga’s long-term vision to make the Government an innovative, enabling, and responsive 21st century Government.
As the Prime Minister alluded in his keynote address, “The way forward for improving the quality of life for all Tongans in this 21st century is changing how we think, how we do things, how we live, yet still reserving our crucial monarchy system, culture and values as it defines who we are, as Tongan national citizen”
The Hon Minister of Finance, whom is the chairperson responsible for the management and implementation of the E-government project, calls out to the cooperation of all the Government Line Ministries and with strong collaboration with development partners such as international and bilateral organizations, partnering and outsourcing relationships with the private sector to accelerate technology and knowledge transfer to Tonga, and collaboration with other international Governments.
As he stated “It is our hope that the DGSP, will encourage both Government leaders and citizens to participate, contribute, and share ideas to ensure all goals and objectives of the DGSP are achieved, exceeded, and serve as a giant step in a better future for all Tongans.
The Ministry of Finance, Executive Secretary, Ms. Mele Lupe ‘Ilaiu welcomed the guests at the beginning of the launch.
The Chief Executive Officer for MOF, Mrs. Balwyn Fa’otusia presented the overview of the Project and followed by presentations from the eGovernment Implementing Agencies delivered by DCEO MEIDECC, Mr. Andrew To’imoana, CEO MOJ, Mrs. Manakovi Pahulu, and Dr. Siale Akauola, CEO MOH.
The guest of Honor, Prime Minister, Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’ionetoa delivered the keynote address.
The World Bank representative in Tonga, Ms. Natalia Palu Lātū responded on behalf of the World Bank.
The Honorable Tevita Lavemaau, Minister of Finance delivered the Vote of thanks/Wrap Up Remarks. Reverend Samuela Fonua closes the launching ceremony with a prayer.
