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Responsible Adoption of AI in the Pacific

Project Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve public services, support economic development and address complex challenges across the Pacific. To realise these opportunities, governments need practical approaches that enable AI to be adopted safely, responsibly and in ways that reflect their national priorities and local contexts.

The Responsible Adoption of AI in the Pacific project supports six Pacific Island governments to strengthen their capability to adopt and govern AI with confidence. Working collaboratively with participating countries, the project will develop practical, country-specific guidance, tools and resources informed by international AI and digital standards while responding to Pacific priorities and local needs.

Through collaboration, knowledge sharing and engagement with government stakeholders, the project aims to strengthen regional capability and support responsible, people-centred AI adoption across the Pacific.

Project Scope

Project period: 1 June 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The project will:
  • Undertake baseline AI Maturity Assessment across participating countries.
  • Develop six country-specific AI guidance papers, one for each participating country.
  • Create practical tools and templates that help governments assess AI readiness, identify and manage risks, support responsible procurement, and establish effective governance and assurance processes.
  • Develop practical case studies to support responsible AI adoption in Pacific government contexts.
  • Conduct validation workshops in each participating country to test and refine the guidance papers and tools with government stakeholders.
  • Facilitate regional knowledge sharing through Pacific regional networks, including the Pacific Islands Standards Committee (PISC) and other relevant regional forums.
  • Support participating countries to engage with international AI standards and governance discussions where appropriate.

Project Outcomes

By the end of the project, participating governments will be better equipped to make informed decisions about the responsible adoption of AI.

The project aims to:

  • Strengthen government capability to assess AI opportunities and associated risks.
  • Improve understanding of AI governance and responsible AI practices across participating countries.
  • Support more consistent and informed approaches to AI policy, procurement and implementation.
  • Strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge sharing on responsible AI across the Pacific.
  • Increase awareness of international AI standards and governance frameworks and support pathways for future engagement.
  • Contribute to the long-term adoption of AI in ways that are trusted, inclusive and aligned with Pacific priorities and community needs.
CONTACT
Brendan Slowey Profile Picture
Rima Ibrahim
International Engagement Manager
Funded / supported  by:
Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Delivery Partners
Ethical AI Consulting and CSIRO
Countries Involved:
Fiji
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea
Tonga
Samoa
In partnership with