Remarks by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs to the Fourth Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum
18 November 2009, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Following the Address to the Forum by the First Lady of Egypt, Ms. Suzanne Mubarak
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the United Nations and Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, I thank you, Madam First Lady, for sharing such an important message.
We are gathered here in the Internet Governance Forum to exchange ideas and knowledge as we strive to build the foundations of the information society. The United Nations seeks to enhance digital opportunities for all, and find innovative ways for technologies to advance economic and social development.
The future of the information society will be led by today’s youth and children. Fundamentally, sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The information society must be safe for our children. This can be achieved through education and the sharing of knowledge, and by encouraging our children and young people to grow and to achieve their potential. The First Lady has provided much food for thought for our session on new social media and collaboration tools. Many of these tools are already widely used by young people.
Thank you again for hosting this important event. We are deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Government and people of Egypt.
