In today’s Leaders of Tech interview, we speak to Sarai Faleupolu Tevita, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Director at the National University of Samoa. Sarai discusses how she got her start in the internet governance sector, her experience as an ICANN fellow and the importance of advocating for the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance.
1. Can you tell us about your role as ICT Director at the National University of Samoa and how it contributes to Samoa’s ICT sector?
As the ICT Director at the National University of Samoa, I’m responsible for development, planning and coordination of projects, and liaison with university management on ICT related matters. Part of this role is to ensure the reliability and provision of a high standard and quality of service by the ICT department to support students and faculty.
My role contributes to Samoa’s ICT sector through education, research, collaboration, advocacy and community engagement. Through this, we drive innovation, economic development and societal progress to improve our digital ecosystem.
2. You’re an active member of the global internet governance community. How did you get your start in internet governance?
I started getting involved in internet governance in 2004 when I joined the Samoa Information Technology Society (SITS) that is now re-named the Samoa Information Technology Association (SITA) and later joined the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC).
In 2005, PICISOC and the Samoan government hosted the PacINET conference in Samoa. PacINET is an annual internet and ICT conference that brings Pacific Islanders together to discuss ICT and the internet in the region. During that time I was the treasurer for the SITS and was on the organising committee of the PacINET.
That's where I learnt more about internet governance by networking with IT professionals from the Pacific region and familiarising myself with key concepts, principles and the stakeholders involved in internet governance.
After that I participated in PacINET 2006, this time hosted by PICISOC and the government of Solomon Islands, where I continued growing my network.
Not only that, I engaged with and subscribed to various internet governance newsletters from relevant organisations participated in online discussions and forums and connected with experts on social media.
I was a fellow of ICANN for the first time in 2023. I attended ICANN78 as a fellow and participated in the ICANN Non Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC) committee. This provided me valuable learning experiences and fostered my professional growth. It also gave me confidence to empower my SITA and PICISOC communities to contribute to the advancement of internet governance principles and practices on a global scale.
3. What are three areas of internet governance you’re focused on in 2024 as a representative of Samoa and the broader Pacific?
- Infrastructure development and connectivity
To improve internet governance is to improve internet infrastructureand expand access to high-speed broadband connectivity for those who do not currently have access.
- Digital inclusion and internet governance capacity building
Providing digital skills training, promoting online safety and security and increasing access to ICTs can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all segments of society can benefit from the opportunities offered by the internet.
- Cyber security and data protection
Promoting investment in cyber security infrastructure, developing national cyber security strategies and raising awareness about cyber hygiene practices – this can help mitigate cyber risks and build trust in online services and transactions.
4. What advice do you have for fellow Pacific Islanders looking to get involved in internet governance processes?
I encourage individuals looking to get involved in internet governance to actively participate in internet government processes and promote the multi-stakeholder engagement approach to ensure inclusive, transparent and accountable decision making that shapes the internet.
I also encourage people to get involved in dialogue and collaborate among governments, civil society, private sector, technical community and academia to help foster consensus building and enhance the effectiveness of internet governance initiatives in Samoa and the Pacific.
The views expressed are the interviewee’s own.
