We Must Bridge Digital Divide, Address Unintended Effects of Innovation, Secretary-General Tells World Telecommunications Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Telecommunication Union’s World Telecommunication Development Conference, in Buenos Aires today:

I am pleased to greet the World Telecommunication Development Conference.  I thank the Government of Argentina for hosting.

Let me also commend your focus on how information and communications technologies can support global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  The remarkable advances of recent years have shown us how these technologies can empower people and transform lives for the better.

But, we also know that we need to bridge the digital divide and address the unintended consequences of innovation.  We need to do more to protect society from cyberattacks, and to address the implications for labour markets, global security, and indeed, the fabric of our societies.

Information and communications technologies can help us on each and every Sustainable Development Goal.  I look forward to working with you to consider the way forward and to harness this great power for the benefit of all.

In that spirit, I wish you a successful conference.