Digital Transformation Consulting

The Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu faces existential threats from climate change and rising sea levels, with predictions that it could disappear into the Pacific Ocean within decades. In response to this dire situation, Tuvalu launched the Future Now Project, aiming to establish itself as the world’s first completely digital nation. This initiative includes digitizing administrative services and cultural records, as well as securing statehood and maritime boundaries, even if the functional government must relocate.

To amplify its message at COP27, Tuvalu sought assistance from Accenture to create a compelling narrative that would resonate globally. The project involved developing a digital twin of Te Afualiku, a small islet expected to be the first part of Tuvalu to be submerged. Accenture’s Sustainability Studio and Accenture Song collaborated to produce a digital representation of the islet, along with a short film and an interactive advocacy website, all completed in just six weeks. Utilizing advanced technologies like Unreal Engine 5, the team created an immersive 3D environment that accurately depicted the islet’s features and surroundings.

The impact of this initiative was significant. Tuvalu's Minister for Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs, Simon Kofe, delivered a speech from the digital twin during COP27, which reached over 2.1 billion people worldwide. The advocacy website, Tuvalu.tv, engaged concerned citizens from 160 countries, with 118 countries interacting within the first 48 hours. This heightened awareness contributed to the establishment of a historic Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable nations at COP27. Furthermore, since the event, nine nations have recognized Tuvalu’s digital statehood, paving the way for securing its maritime boundaries and international voting rights. The project not only highlighted the urgent need for global action on climate change but also provided a platform for Tuvalu to showcase its culture and resources in a virtual space, ensuring that the values of endurance and resilience continue to thrive among Tuvaluans.