Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to participate at this official opening segment of the WSIS Forum 2020. I thank ITU Secretary-General Mr. Houlin Zhao, his team, and my colleagues at UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, for their efforts in organizing this important event.
This year’s topic on fostering digital transformation and global partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, could not be more timly. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a multi-faceted global crisis with significant loss of life and livelihoods, affecting societies and economies at their core.
At the same time, the pandemic has brought to the fore the interconnectedness of digitalization and development. Indeed, we are now in an era in which multi-stakeholder partnerships in science, technology, and innovation are essential to effectively respond to, and sustainably recover from, this crisis.
Research by my Department, UN DESA, demonstrates that digital solutions have played a critical role. Not only in scientific research and understanding of the virus itself, but also in enabling continuing economic activities and delivery of essential social services, including education and healthcare.
Governments have also been doing their share. As the pandemic fueled lockdowns, most countries and municipalities pursued digital government strategies – many with innovative initiatives – according to the recently launched United Nations E-Government Survey 2020.
Public officials around the world have been exploring new ways to engage and to provide up-to-date information to the public and to healthcare workers. They are also working with stakeholders to reduce the dangerous spike in misinformation and disinformation.
They have put in place new tools, such as:
- dedicated COVID-19 information portals,
- hackathons,
- e-services for the supply of medical goods,
- virtual medical consultations, and
- self-diagnosis apps, among others.
Many countries were quick to deploy tracking and tracing apps, and apps for working and learning from home.
However, not all countries are in a position to leverage digital technologies to provide accessible, reliable, and inclusive services for all, especially vulnerable communities.
In many developing countries, especially countries in special situations, the lack of ICT infrastructure – including mobile networks and broadband internet, as well as lack of digital skills – has aggravated the living conditions of society’s most vulnerable groups.
In light of these challenges, we should seize all opportunities to form partnerships for bridging the digital divides. Recent experiences at country and municipal levels, tell us that we need to strengthen national capacities for science-based decision-making. This is needed in order to enhance public trust in science, share knowledge for more collaborative research, and ensure universal access to digital solutions. And we must act with greater urgency on global scientific cooperation, including on the vaccines.
Excellencies,
Towards the end of this year, in November 2020, the 15th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be held virtually under the overarching theme “Internet for human resilience and solidarity”. Four thematic areas will focus on trust, data, inclusion, and the environment.
As a platform for discussions, the IGF brings together different stakeholder groups to share best practices and policies relating to the Internet and the use of digital technology.
UN DESA welcomes everyone to join us at the virtual IGF. Together we must continue working on digital cooperation, strong partnerships and inclusive technological approaches.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I look forward to your innovative ideas in overcoming COVID-19-related challenges through technology and partnerships, and in building a sustainable future for all. Let us use this Forum to reinvigorate our commitment during the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Thank you.