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2017 Annual Fall Meeting of the Broadband Commission

Date

September 17, 2017

Location

New York, USA

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​F​ollowing the practice of its annual meetings held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development will meet on 17​th September in New York, during the 72nd​ session of the UNGA. The United Nations General Assembly session this year will put an emphasis on peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet.

​In this context, high-level Commissioners; from across a range of government and industry sectors, and Special Guests will address the important duty of supporting the development of new broadband technologies and connecting people, in particular those who remain unconnected, to the resources needed to improve their livelihoods, and driving transformation towards a more sustainable world, keeping in mind the global importance of bridging the digital divide.

MESSAGE TO THE BROADBAND COMMISSION FROM THE SECRETARY-​GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS, ​MR. ANTONIO GUTERRES New York, 17 September 2017

I am delighted that the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development is meeting in New York under the co-chairmanship of President Kagame of Rwanda and Mr. Carlos Slim. 
 
The membership of this Commission offers an encouraging example of just the kind of multi-stakeholder partnerships we need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 
 
Technology is crucial in empowering people to participate in our digital future, and in helping governments to better serve people. 
 
But we must also address significant concerns such as cybersecurity, human rights, privacy, as well as the digital divide, including its gender dimensions.
 
Broadband is a remarkable tool; now we must do more to ensure that all enjoy its benefits. Developing countries face the very real risk of being left behind. I look to this Commission to help ensure that broadband charts a course that includes all humankind, enhances human dignity and serves the global good.
 

​For updates from the meeting follow @UNBBCom and #Broadband,#ICT4SDG on Twitter.

"Our efforts remain vital in ensuring that broadband, and ICTs in general, receive the attention they deserve, in the global development agenda. One of the key findings in this year's State of Broadband Report, is the increasing digital divide, not just in terms of connectivity, but also applications. For Africa, and other developing regions, this is a major concern. Our growing and youthful population is an asset, but we have to ensure there is sufficient economic opportunity. Government, private sector, and civil society can partner more efficiently, to facilitate digital entrepreneurship, for the 2030 Agenda and beyond."
Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame Co-Chair of the Broadband Commission and President of Rwanda
"I am very glad that since its establishment seven years ago, the Broadband Commission has developed a more active focus to prioritize bringing connectivity to everyone everywhere, including least developed countries."
Carlos Slim Helú
Carlos Slim Helú President of the Carlos Slim Foundation and Co-Chair of the Broadband Commission
"This year's State of Broadband 2017 report highlights several important findings. First, there is a suggestion that we are entering a 'winner takes all' phase in digital development – digital 'frontrunner' countries are moving even further ahead, while developing countries are generally being left behind. Furthermore, gaps in transmission speeds are also increasing. And there is still no visible progress that the digital gender divide is closing. Even in a high-growth industry such as ours, there is still cause for concern. In a few weeks, I'll address the seventh World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) in Buenos Aires. My message will be clear: It is our responsibility to bring the power of ICTs to all nations, all people and all segments of society."
Houlin Zhao
Houlin ZhaoSecretary-General of ITU Co-Vice Chair of the Commission
"Today, more than ever, the digital revolution must be a development revolution … a sustainable development revolution. We need broadband to strengthen the sustainability of development efforts. We need broadband to bridge divides and not deepen them – especially for girls and women. We need broadband that ensures equal access to education, that enhances the quality of learning across the world, because these are the strongest foundations for sustainability and peace."
Irina Bokova
Irina BokovaUNESCO Director-General and Co-Vice Chair of the Commission
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Related Links

 

Released Reports and Materials

  • State of Broadband 2017
  • Identifying the Potential of New Communications Technologies for Sustainable Development
  • Bridging the Gender Gap in Internet and Broadband Access and Use
  • Digital Skills for Life and Work

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Subscribe for the latest news from the Broadband Commission and its partners

Copyright 2010-2023 © Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, ITU, UNESCO

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