– As delivered –
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
19 September 2021
Your Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
Mr. Carlos Slim Helú, Co-Chair of the Broadband Commission,
Excellencies,
Thank you so much for inviting me.
It is fitting that this Annual Fall Meeting of the Broadband Commission is being held online. With the pace at which technology has progressed, we have begun to take for granted how conveniently we can connect with one another, anywhere, anytime.
COVID-19 has taught us many things, not least of which is that digital connectivity is no longer a mere convenience, it is a necessity.
While so many of us take for granted the benefits of being so connected, the lack of access to digital technology continues to deprive billions of people worldwide.
To be clear, the digital divide directly affects access to health, education, economic mobility, and overall economic growth.
And the disparities are pronounced along very specific lines.
In most of the developed world, access to online services is near universal. Yet, roughly half the global population, about 3.7 billion people, most of them in the developing world, do not have digital access.
A digital gender gap also exists. Globally, women and girls use the internet 12.5 per cent less than men and boys. This leaves women unfairly deprived of the benefits that technology confers.
We need to strengthen global partnerships between governments and businesses in the information technology sector. And we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that women and youth have better online access. Through our collective efforts, we can close the digital divide and achieve global universal connectivity.
My friends,
I believe that we can do better.
We need to strengthen global partnerships between governments and businesses in the information technology sector.
And we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that women and youth have better online access.
Through our collective efforts, we can close the digital divide and achieve global universal connectivity.
By doing so, not only will we help billions of people have better access to their fundamental rights, but we also fuel an economic boom that facilitates entrepreneurship and increases the ease of doing business.
Better connectivity will also spur innovation, and help countries find better solutions to the challenges they face, from the climate emergency, to pandemics, to poverty.
As the Broadband Commission’s Manifesto recognizes, digital connectivity is an essential part of helping the world reach the goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Colleagues, through my ‘Presidency of Hope’ I will encourage concerted multilateral efforts to address this challenge and help connect the rest of the world. My Presidency will work with all partners and stakeholders to address the digital divide and ensure affordable access to digital access for the unconnected.
Thank you.
