Despite rapid technological advancements reported in some of the member countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), rural schools in developing countries are left largely unconnected and under-resourced. The slow progress poses two challenges.

Developments in ICT connectivity is essential for e-commerce to flourish, according to United Nations conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Discussions centered around the theme “Development Dimensions of Digital Platforms” will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 16-20 April 2018. The fourth E-Commerce Week is expected to explore the role of digital platforms toward sustainable development and ways to harness these technologies.

‘Broadband Connectivity in the Pacific Island Countries’ is a Working Paper contributing to the policy dialogue on the implementation of the Asia Pacific Information Superhighway initiative spearheaded by ESCAP. The Working paper examined recent developments on broadband connectivity in the Pacific island countries, identifying important drivers of broadband adoption in recent years.