Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway concept was defined at the 1st meeting of the Working Group on the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway. The  AP-IS Master Plan identified the following four thematic pillars: (a) Physical infrastructure upgrade and interconnection; (b) Internet traffic management; (c) Building regional network resilience and (d) Promoting broadband access in underserved areas.

Broadband connectivity and Internet usage in Asia and the Pacific region have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the last decade; however, challenges of inclusive broadband growth remain among many of the economically developing countries of the region.

Ocean accounts need to be developed to assess oceans, seas and marine resources and better guide decision and policy making to protect ocean resources and services for future generations.