artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G mobile services and mobile applications for education, health, finance and other sectors, which may help us to achieve our development goals. We also recognise how the use of electronic or digital commerce (e-Commerce) has grown in parallel with the increasing use of the Internet, allowing buyers and sellers to transact in a more efficient way. In our consultations with stakeholders about the way forward from here, there have been many useful contributions identifying ways in which ICT connectivity could be improved in order to support the broader objective of the KV20. In particular, improved ICT services will support other sectoral priorities like investment in tourism, fisheries, trade and e-Commerce. Stakeholder contributions have highlighted some of the areas where we will need more safeguards as we become more dependent on ICT – such as protection of children, cyber threats and cyber-crime. The growing digital economy also creates a need for our law to recognise electronic transactions as evidence in judicial proceedings. This National ICT Policy 2019 recognises and draws together the ICT projects that are already going forward, and the needs we have now recognised. It establishes a new set of goals going forward. Many of these goals cross the boundaries amongst government ministries and other entities and will require significant collaborative efforts to bring them about. I would like to thank all the development partners, Government Ministries, the private sector and members of civil society who have contributed towards to development of this Policy. I also wish to thank the World Bank for the financial and technical support towards the preparation of this National ICT Policy. I now invite you all to embrace this Policy, which is the result of our joint efforts; and to work together to help us to achieve the goals in this Policy so that we can reap the benefits available to us through ICT for our nation. Te Mauri (Health), Te Raoi (Peace) ao Te Tabomoa (Prosperity). Hon Willie Tokataake MP Minister of Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development Kiribati National ICT Policy 2019 II