International Telecommunication Union Has Vital Role Accelerating Global Connectivity for All by 2030, Secretary-General Tells Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2022:  Connect and Unite, in Bucharest today:

I am pleased to greet this important conference.  Digital transformation and connectivity are critical to rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals. 

I commend the International Telecommunication Union’s collaboration with sister United Nations agencies to leverage digital technologies in support of the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals].  And I reiterate the importance of supporting the World Summit on the Information Society.

As my Road Map for Digital Cooperation emphasizes, it is essential that we seize the opportunities of digital technology while protecting against its risks.  Over the next few weeks, you have the opportunity to form common positions that will shape global digital transformation for years to come.

Your deliberations will help shape the future Global Digital Compact proposed in my report, Our Common Agenda.  I applaud you for making this conference gender-responsive, green and inclusive of youth. 

I call on you to put humanity’s progress at the centre of your discussions, especially the 2.9 billion people who still lack online access.  The International Telecommunication Union has a vital role to play in accelerating global connectivity for all by 2030.  I wish you every success in helping to close the digital gap for an equitable and sustainable future.  Thank you.