Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank President Lukashenko, the Government of Belarus and all other partners who have made this CIS Connect Summit possible.

Many countries, including in the CIS region, still face serious hurdles in expanding access to information and communications technologies.

A lack of infrastructure, a scarcity of human and financial resources, and weak institutions are among the problems.

The consequences are significant.

Unequal access to ICT impedes productivity and innovation. It directly affects our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The United Nations seeks to build a people-centered information society. We want to enhance digital opportunities for all, and find new ways for these remarkable technologies to advance economic and social development.

The United Nations is fully committed to supporting Member States in realizing this vision.

Through policy advice and capacity-building, and through e-government and other initiatives, we are working to empower people and bridge the digital divide.

I look forward to working with you in this effort, and I wish you all the best for a successful Summit. Thank you.