I am pleased to convey my greetings to all those taking part in the 2nd World Internet Conference (Wuzhen Summit).  I commend this year’s theme:  “An Interconnected World, Shared and Governed by All - Building a Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny”.  This focus echoes the call by the international community for universal access to the Internet.

Less than three months ago, world leaders adopted the visionary 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including specific targets on information and communication technologies and the Internet. I thank His Excellency President Xi Jinping for the concrete initiatives he announced in September to advance the 2030 Agenda.  Our challenge now is to implement this blueprint for a better future.  Information and communication technologies and the Internet can empower this global undertaking.

I congratulate the Chinese Government and the Chinese people for their success in reducing poverty and I welcome China’s continuing engagement in sharing its knowledge and experience with developing countries.

International cooperation is urgently needed to bridge large digital divides.  People living in poverty, women and girls, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, indigenous peoples, marginalized groups, as well as rural communities, still lack adequate access and training in the use of ICTs and the Internet.  Cyberattacks, cybercrime and issues related to privacy and surveillance are challenges that also need to be addressed. 

December 16 marks the opening of the Wuzhen Summit as well as the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting to review implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, which includes action initiatives for harnessing ICTs and the Internet for sustainable development, human rights in the information society, and building confidence and security in the use of ICTs. 

I call on all participants and partners to intensify efforts to promote accessibility, affordability, education and multilingualism by investing in critical infrastructure and capacity building and by building an open, reliable, safe, secure, stable and inclusive Internet.

Let us work together to transform digital divides into digital opportunities for all.   I wish you a productive World Internet Conference.