Page 531 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

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9/17/24, 11:46 AM IGCF 2024: Experts on why favourable residency policies and rich cultural values will attract talent
Tuvalu minister Simon Cobu pointed out that his country has a lot to offer despite being the world’s fourth
smallest island with a population of 10,000 people that is in danger of being fully submerged in 200
years. As the first digital nation in the world, Tuvalu will continue to exist digitally long after climate
change claims it and the values that underpin their lives will live on, he noted. The world has become a

single interconnected entity, which makes it possible to invite talent to set up Tuvalu as their work station.

“We recognise our limitations but we are innovative. We are not competing on the level of economy; we
promote our values instead.” He promoted the idea of “digital nomad living on one side of the world and
serving the other side since everyone wants to live in peace” and Tuvalu can offer that.

The panellists agreed that every country needs to stand for its values, which in itself will be a huge draw
in attracting talent.