# Pacific Organizations Develop AI Governance Models

Pacific organizations and Indigenous leaders are actively developing AI tools and governance frameworks that integrate Pacific ancestral knowledge, cultural protocols, and data sovereignty principles. This approach aims to guide the responsible advancement of Artificial Intelligence by emphasizing safety, cultural integrity, and community involvement. Key figures from Pacific Media Network, Fibre Fale, and Inati Labs highlight the importance of Indigenous expertise in AI development, while industry leaders call for slowing AI progress to ensure ethical standards. These developments present emerging opportunities for procurement professionals to engage with culturally informed AI initiatives and data governance models in the Pacific region.

- Pacific regional entities and governments, including the Australian and New Zealand governments, are stakeholders in AI governance influenced by Indigenous data sovereignty.
- Procurement professionals should consider the growing demand for AI solutions that respect cultural and linguistic integrity, particularly in Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, French Polynesia, and Micronesia.
- Organizations can explore partnerships with Indigenous-led AI developers like Fibre Fale and Inati Labs to support culturally aligned AI projects.
- This trend indicates a shift toward inclusive AI procurement strategies that incorporate ethical frameworks and community engagement in technology development.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Government
- Pacific Media Network (PMN)
- Te Mana Raraunga
- Pacific Data Sovereignty Trust
- New Zealand Government

### Key Quotes
> We don’t say that it’s 100 per cent accurate. AI helps us with the first heavy pass, and it doesn’t replace expertise.
> — Don Mann, Chief Executive of Pacific Media Network

> Bring us to the table.
> — Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele, Fibre Fale

### Sources
- [Is Pacific Ancestral Intelligence the speed bump needed for AI?](https://pmn.co.nz/read/politics/is-pacific-ancestral-intelligence-the-speed-hump-for-ai) - Pacific Media Network