Speaker - Mr Lauti Ako

Mr Lauti Ako

Deputy Secretary
Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communications and Innovation
Tuvalu

Biography

Lauti Ako is the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation (MTECI), Government of Tuvalu. He is a public-sector leader with a strong interest in digital transformation, emerging technologies and building government systems that are practical, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Tuvalu’s people.

Lauti has held senior roles within the Tuvalu Public Service, including the Tuvalu Public Service Commission and the Office of the Prime Minister, before taking on his current leadership role at MTECI. His work spans digital government, telecommunications, ICT, cybersecurity, innovation, organisational development and public-sector reform.

A key focus of Lauti’s work is advancing Tuvalu’s digital transformation agenda, including the development of Tuvalu’s Digital Nation vision, digital public infrastructure, improved connectivity, cybersecurity and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. He is particularly passionate about ensuring that small island developing states are not simply consumers of emerging technologies, but active participants in shaping how these technologies are governed and applied.

Lauti regularly represents Tuvalu in regional and international discussions on digital development, technology policy, cybersecurity and innovation. He believes that effective leadership begins with vision, but succeeds through collaboration, coordination and a clear focus on creating lasting value for communities and future generations.