In one of the most remote corners of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the newly launched Tonoas Smart Island Digital Hub is helping bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for inclusive development.
Located in Chuuk State, the hub is already operational and equipped with modern digital infrastructure to serve the island’s population with telemedicine, online learning, financial services, and e-governance tools. It is part of the broader FSM Smart Island Project and reflects a growing commitment to digital inclusion and sustainable development across the outer islands.
“This Smart Island initiative is a symbol of what’s possible when technology, community, and partnership come together. It’s a cornerstone of our vision for a more connected, more unified Micronesia,” said President Wesley W. Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia at the launch event.
The Tonoas Smart Island Digital Hub was officially inaugurated in an event hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from UNOPS and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Multi-Country Office, and financed by the UN Joint SDG Fund.
“UNOPS is committed to supporting FSM in building resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure,” said Tokumitsu Kobayashi, UNOPS Pacific SIDS Advisor. “By investing in connectivity and capacity-building, we are laying the foundation for long-term social and economic benefits for the people of Tonoas.”
“The newly launched digital hub in Tonoas Island will provide the community with vital access to digital services and skills-building opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau.
The launch marks an important step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Pacific, particularly in the areas of digital inclusion, quality education, health access, and resilient infrastructure. It also sets a model for smart island development—combining innovation, partnerships, and people-centered solutions to leave no one behind.
Originally published by UNOPS.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
