26 September 2024, JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA - Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy represented the Philippines at the 8th Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Steering Committee (APIS-SC-8) held in Jeju Island, South Korea from 25-26 September 2024. The meeting was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for APIS, and hosted by the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC). Secretary Uy was joined by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega.

During the Steering Committee Meeting, the DICT Secretary reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to closing the digital divide using digital innovation to drive sustainable growth and digital inclusion. The Philippines recognized the essential role of technology, multilateral cooperation, and enhanced financing in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Secretary Uy also enjoined the meeting to take decisive steps in enhancing regional connectivity, a central goal of the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026, positioning the Asia-Pacific as a global leader in digital transformation. Secretary Uy also highlighted that the DICT is working to bridge the digital divide through policies that will enable Filipinos to participate in the digital economy.

Organized by ESCAP and hosted by the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC), APIS-SC-8 focused on reviewing progress and discussing the 2024-2025 work plan and further solidifying the region's dedication to digital cooperation and inclusion. Since 2016, the ESCAP secretariat has been promoting the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative (AP-IS). As a region-wide multi-stakeholder platform, AP-IS aims to bridge the digital divide and accelerate digital transformation by promoting digital connectivity, digital technology, and data use in the Asia Pacific region.

The Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives, ROK's leading mutual financial institution, also hosted a forum in collaboration with the UN ESCAP on Community Development and Digital Financial Inclusion. The forum, divided into multiple sessions, discussed the role of financial cooperatives in community development and Digital Financial Inclusion for Global Community Development. END