Vodafone Cook Islands set to host 30th PITA AGM Business Forum & Expo

Vodafone Cook Islands is set to welcome the region and global telecommunications community to Rarotonga for the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Business Forum and Expo, taking place from 13–17 April 2026.

The milestone event will bring together up to 300 delegates, including regional and international partners, marking the second time the Cook Islands has hosted the prestigious gathering, following its successful hosting in 2017. Held in partnership with the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association, Vodafone Cook Islands has spent the past six months preparing for what is expected to be one of the most significant telecommunications events in the Pacific calendar.

This year’s theme, “Resilient Futures: Harnessing AI in a Digital Society,” will guide discussions throughout the week, focusing on how Pacific nations can strengthen digital resilience while embracing emerging technologies.

The conference will officially open with a keynote address from the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, setting the tone for the week’s discussions on regional connectivity and digital development. Delegates will also be formally welcomed through a traditional Cook Islands ceremonial opening at the Are Karioi Nui National Auditorium, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of hospitality.

Keynote presentations and discussions to open the conference will include a Pacific-focused strategic address on resilience, infrastructure sustainability, regional collaboration, and the long-term future of internet development in the Pacific. Jia Rong Low will present on The Future of Multilateralism in Digital Development, Stephen Bereaux will share insights on global cooperation from a Caribbean perspective, and Ivan Fong will discuss the importance of network investment, regional connectivity, and industry leadership in shaping the Pacific’s telecommunications future.

The conference will also feature a strong exhibition component, with 11 exhibitors showcasing leading global technology and telecommunications solutions. High-profile companies including Huawei and Nokia will be present alongside other industry players, providing a platform to demonstrate the latest innovations in network infrastructure, digital solutions, and emerging technologies. The exhibition offers delegates valuable opportunities to engage directly with partners, explore new solutions, and strengthen business connections across the region.

Registrations have already exceeded 270 participants from more than 100 organisations across 35 countries, including strong representation from Pacific Island nations. Attendees include telecommunications operators, regulators, policymakers, government representatives, and industry leaders—reflecting the full ecosystem driving connectivity and digital transformation in the region.

This year’s AGM will also see participation from Caribbean partners, reinforcing collaboration between small island states and fostering the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and solutions to shared challenges. PITA President and CEO of Vodafone Cook Islands, Phillip Henderson, emphasised the broader significance of the gathering:

The PITA AGM continues to serve as a critical platform for advancing telecommunications development across the Pacific, enabling collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment among key stakeholders. Vodafone Cook Islands looks forward to hosting delegates and showcasing the Cook Islands as a hub for regional connectivity, partnership, and innovation.

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