 It will normally be necessary to invest in capacity building, to ensure people have the skills to use an ICT facility, and technical staff are available to maintain it, before the equipment is installed.  Laws to support the safety and confidence of the public when using ICT should be enacted, before ICT-based services are rolled out to the public.  At least some relevant content must be developed or procured (though much more is likely to be generated after the system is launched). Shared national participation 60. Fundamental objectives of the Government, in building a “Peaceful, United and Progressive Country of Solomon Islands” are to 25 Pursue meaningful reconciliation between our people at all levels of our society based on our traditional norms of peaceful coexistence that would lead to national reconciliation and foster natural healing process. Foster a greater sense of national unity whilst maintaining our varying cultural identity. Promote national consciousness and ownership of the country by all Solomon Islanders. 61. In connection with this vitally important aim, ICT have the potential to contribute greatly. The simple ability for Solomon Islanders to talk cheaply to one another, regardless of which island they live on, will contribute to national unity and a sustainable peace. The ability of ICT to preserve, disseminate and promote local art, culture and content will also make an important contribution. 62. The Government therefore considers that ICT policy for Solomon Islands must be guided by “shared national participation” as a policy principle. Multilateral engagement 63. The Solomon Islands is not alone in the challenges it faces in promoting the increased availability and use of ICT. Already the Solomon Islands engages regionally and internationally with the governments of supportive and neighbouring countries, international standards bodies, aid partners, and others. The Government is committed to maintaining its participation in, and contribution to, these multilateral engagements and will seek, where appropriate, to participate in further multilateral engagements. 25 Democratic Coalition for Change GovernmentPolicy Statement (Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, January 2015) para 1.4. Page | 24 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy