Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
In today’s digital world, Internet access is imperative.
 
“Connecting the unconnected” is crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 
It is essential for sharing information, bringing people in from the margins and giving people a voice.
 
The international community has committed to ensuring universal and affordable Internet access in least developed countries by 2020.
 
I thank the World Summit on the Information Society Forum for promoting an inclusive process to meet this goal. 
 
Please accept my best wishes for a successful gathering.
 
Thank you.