Suva, Fiji – 29 April 2025 – The United Nations for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), has launched the Pacific Cyberlaws Gap Analysis, a comprehensive study aimed at identifying areas where digital legal frameworks in the region need strengthening. The finding provides guidance for policymakers to navigate e-commerce development while reinforcing the systems that support digital trust.
“Cyberlaws are no longer a luxury for the Pacific. They are essential to building trust in our digital future. Stronger legal foundations will help us realise the vision of the 2050 Strategy for a safe, secure, and inclusive digital Blue Pacific,” said Mr Zarak Khan, Director of Programmes and Initiatives at PIFS.
The research reviews cyberlaw frameworks across 15 Pacific jurisdictions including Timor-Leste, assessing over 11 key legal areas critical to e-commerce and digital development. Some of the key findings highlighted include fragmented and incomplete legal frameworks, limited progress in data protection and consumer rights, advancements in cybercrime legislation, the emergence of largely unregulated e-commerce activity, a lack of regional harmonisation, and dispersed initiatives that underscore the need for greater coordination. The report is expected to play a key role in shaping policy reforms that ensure a secure and enabling environment for the region’s growing digital economy.
“This report comes at a time when digital transformation is growing fast across the Pacific,” said Torbjörn Fredriksson, Head of UNCTAD’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch. “In this context strengthening the legal readiness is essential. Without clear rules and protections, the region risks falling behind. This study offers a roadmap for action towards a more inclusive digital economy.”
More than 100 representatives from government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society participated in the hybrid launch event. A high-level roundtable brought together speakers from international development organisations to explore the study’s key findings and recent progress in cyberlaw across the Pacific. The discussion also addressed how stakeholders can collaborate more effectively, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges in implementing legal frameworks that support the region’s digital transformation.
The UNCTAD’s report supports the efforts of key regional partners, such as PIFS, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, in advancing the implementation of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap. The report is in alignment with Key Policy Area 4: Legal and Regulatory Framework.
UNCTAD’s work is funded by the Government of Australia and developed under the framework of the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP) by UNCTAD. PDEP, a joint initiative of United Nations Capital Development Fund, United nations, Development Programme, and UNCTAD, is financially supported by the European Union and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
