Remarks by Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly

17 September 2023

[Recorded]

 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my pleasure to present brief remarks at this critical SDG Digital event. 

It is a magnificent opportunity to showcase practical digital solutions to the most urgent challenges of our time. 

Indeed, digital transformation has the power to drive sustainable development, creating myriad opportunities, among other things, for education, economic empowerment, gender equality and social inclusion. 

Yet today, 2.6 billion people – 33 per cent of the global population – are still offline. 

Many of them in Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries. 

By placing digital innovation at the very heart of our 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, we can spark holistic development towards a world that is just more sustainable and more prosperous for all, leaving no one behind. 

The SDG Digital initiative marks a significant pivot towards inclusive and responsible digital transformation. 

But harnessing the full potential of such a transformation can only bear fruit if the benefits accrue to all, equally. 

I take this opportunity to urge all governments and partners, including the tech industry, to heed the repeated call for transfer and sharing of technologies. 

Technology is a much-needed means of implementation to leapfrog many developing countries towards realization of their sustainable development.   

I therefore welcome the launch of the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda as a key roadmap for how we can responsibly harness the potential of data and digital technologies. 

This initiative emphasises the need for accelerated, collective action and solutions to bring the SDG’s back on track. 

In this regard, I whole heartedly congratulate the winners of the SDG “Digital Game Changers” competition. 

Your inspiring and creative solutions will help empower communities, protect the planet, promote prosperity, and build inclusive, sustainable peace for all, in essence reflecting the four priorities I have chosen for the 78th session. 

Now, not tomorrow, not next year, not when we restore global levels of growth to pre-pandemic levels. But now. 

Let us nurture these diverse collaborations and partnerships. 

Let us expand the available funding for digital solutions. 

Let us solidify our collective resolve to create meaningful digital connectivity that leaves no one behind.  

I thank you. 

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