UN honors Fiji for broadband program

The United Nations honored Fiji on Monday (Fiji time) for its progress in developing information and computer technology in the Pacific island country, the Fijian government said. Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama accepted the award on behalf of the Fijian people in New York at the annual South-South Awards dinner, which recognizes advances in sustainable development and progress toward reaching Millennium Development goals, according to the Ministry of Information. The award was presented by Winston Baldwin, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. In giving the award, the UN International Organization for South-South Cooperation cited Fiji for developing a broadband regime that is reaching all levels of Fijian society and all areas of the country. Bainimarama said he is proud because the UN has "recognized the great work so many Fijians are doing to advance our country in the field of information communications technology." "We have looked at Broadband as both a challenge and an opportunity," he said, "It has demanded practical solutions that... engage as much of the population as possible and keep our focus on what is good for the vast majority of Fijians." Singling out the importance of private sector cooperation and government leadership in making broadband a reality, Bainimarama said broadband is indispensable for any nation that wishes to compete in the global economy and create opportunities for its people. The Fjian prime minister took the opportunity to share what Fiji has learned with other countries that are trying to develop broadband infrastructure. "My advice to other nations that wish to take advantage of these tremendous opportunities offered by broadband is simple: firstly, believe in your people. Second, remember that talent exists to develop this infrastructure throughout the developing world. Third, root out corruption wherever it may be and maintain an absolute vigilance against it. Transparency and fairness are essential," he said.