Innovative Information, Communications Technologies Will Play Critical Role in Attaining Sustainable Development Goals, Says Secretary-General

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for ITU Telecom World 2015, in Budapest today:

Your Excellency Mr. Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to greet all the participants in ITU Telecom World. 

This annual event highlights the catalytic role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in meeting global challenges and driving economic growth, social progress and sustainable development.

Innovative ICTs will play a critical role in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were just adopted by world leaders to guide our work through the year 2030.

I encourage the government officials and technology industry leaders gathered in Budapest to foster greater innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, especially among small- and medium-sized businesses. I urge you to consider what more you can do to ensure universal connectivity, close the digital divide, open doors to knowledge and ensure the full participation of women and girls in the ever growing digital economy in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This December the UN General Assembly will convene a high-level meeting to review progress in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society.  I urge all participants to contribute to this process.

Thank you for your continuing strong commitment to building a more just, prosperous, peaceful and sustainable world where no one is left behind.

I wish you success at ITU Telecom World.