Excellencies,Dear Colleagues,Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very pleased to be here and open this important side event on “New technologies and mobile solutions for development”.
I wish to thank Mr. John Denton, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Mats Granyrd, the Director General of the GSM Association, for co-organizing this important meeting. And, I’d also like to thank all of you for your participation.
Dear Colleagues,
We are experiencing a period of development in human history- what some have termed the fourth industrial revolution. Tightly interlinked clusters of new technologies are advancing at an unforeseen pace.
Digital technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence and automation, biotechnology, and nanotechnology all have broad impacts on the economy, society and environment.
The changes we are witnessing are fundamental and far-reaching. They are beginning to have impacts in all countries. They are affecting all our lives in ways both big and small.
Many of these changes are experienced directly through the smart phones we hold in our hands, depending of course on the mobile networks that GSMA members operate.
These technological advances present great opportunities if they are mobilized in support of the 2030 Agenda. For instance, they can help to enhance financial inclusion and empower women and vulnerable groups through mobile banking. They can track the spread of epidemics through examination of satellite images or help manage the impacts of disasters through big data analytics. They can help bring high quality education to all. And they can help anchor our transition to sustainability by greatly improving resource efficiency. The potential benefits to be reaped are great.
However, as we have seen in the past, technological changes are not always neutral. There are growing concerns about the potential negative impacts that such advances may have, in particular in developing countries.
Some may find it difficult to adapt to the changes, including new employment structures and potential job losses. Another fear is that if left unmanaged, new technological advances may lead to increasing inequalities within and across countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the one hand, rapid technology progress is a reason to celebrate. On the other hand, it presents extraordinary policy challenges. It is likely that many countries will need to find new types of development models.
Indeed, innovation and governance must find new ways of collaboration.
Recently, the Secretary-General of the United Nations established a new High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. The aim of this eminent Panel is to raise awareness about the transformative impact of digital technologies across society and the economy, and to contribute to the broader public debate on how to ensure a safe and inclusive digital future for all, taking into account relevant human rights norms.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our collective compass to leave no one behind; our guide to moving forward. Some have said that the Sustainable Development Goals have been an extraordinary gift for, and by our humankind. I agree and believe they are more important today than ever.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the 2030 Agenda, Member States agreed to launch a UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism that showcases a new multi-stakeholder way of working for the UN. This Mechanism brings together 40 UN entities with 10 representatives of science, academia and private sector. These representatives will work together to leverage science, technology and innovation for the SDGs. I encourage you to get engaged in this joint endeavour. Today’s discussions can and should contribute to this important work.
Finally, let me assure you that my Department, DESA stands ready to continue supporting your partnerships and policy agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
I thank you.
I am very pleased to be here and open this important side event on “New technologies and mobile solutions for development”.
I wish to thank Mr. John Denton, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Mats Granyrd, the Director General of the GSM Association, for co-organizing this important meeting. And, I’d also like to thank all of you for your participation.
Dear Colleagues,
We are experiencing a period of development in human history- what some have termed the fourth industrial revolution. Tightly interlinked clusters of new technologies are advancing at an unforeseen pace.
Digital technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence and automation, biotechnology, and nanotechnology all have broad impacts on the economy, society and environment.
The changes we are witnessing are fundamental and far-reaching. They are beginning to have impacts in all countries. They are affecting all our lives in ways both big and small.
Many of these changes are experienced directly through the smart phones we hold in our hands, depending of course on the mobile networks that GSMA members operate.
These technological advances present great opportunities if they are mobilized in support of the 2030 Agenda. For instance, they can help to enhance financial inclusion and empower women and vulnerable groups through mobile banking. They can track the spread of epidemics through examination of satellite images or help manage the impacts of disasters through big data analytics. They can help bring high quality education to all. And they can help anchor our transition to sustainability by greatly improving resource efficiency. The potential benefits to be reaped are great.
However, as we have seen in the past, technological changes are not always neutral. There are growing concerns about the potential negative impacts that such advances may have, in particular in developing countries.
Some may find it difficult to adapt to the changes, including new employment structures and potential job losses. Another fear is that if left unmanaged, new technological advances may lead to increasing inequalities within and across countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the one hand, rapid technology progress is a reason to celebrate. On the other hand, it presents extraordinary policy challenges. It is likely that many countries will need to find new types of development models.
Indeed, innovation and governance must find new ways of collaboration.
Recently, the Secretary-General of the United Nations established a new High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. The aim of this eminent Panel is to raise awareness about the transformative impact of digital technologies across society and the economy, and to contribute to the broader public debate on how to ensure a safe and inclusive digital future for all, taking into account relevant human rights norms.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our collective compass to leave no one behind; our guide to moving forward. Some have said that the Sustainable Development Goals have been an extraordinary gift for, and by our humankind. I agree and believe they are more important today than ever.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the 2030 Agenda, Member States agreed to launch a UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism that showcases a new multi-stakeholder way of working for the UN. This Mechanism brings together 40 UN entities with 10 representatives of science, academia and private sector. These representatives will work together to leverage science, technology and innovation for the SDGs. I encourage you to get engaged in this joint endeavour. Today’s discussions can and should contribute to this important work.
Finally, let me assure you that my Department, DESA stands ready to continue supporting your partnerships and policy agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
I thank you.
File date:
Monday, September 24, 2018