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Broadband connectivity to foster sustainable development
Catalytic role of ICTs cited in call for action
at Rio+20 Conference
Geneva, 19 June 2012 – The
Broadband Commission for Digital
Development has issued a ‘call
for action’ to delegates at Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development, to recognize information and communication technologies
(ICT) and broadband connectivity as catalysts to achieve the three pillars of
sustainable development – economic growth, social inclusion and environmental
sustainability.
In a joint statement, the Broadband Commissioners said: “We believe broadband
is a fundamental technology to achieve sustainable development that should also
be recognized in future Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré noted that information and communication
technologies (ICT) have a critical role in meeting future sustainable
development goals. “ICTs have created a watershed moment in human evolution and
are poised to make a catalytic impact on the sustainable development of our
planet,” Dr Touré said. “The roadmap being negotiated at Rio+20 must therefore
explicitly recognize the potential of ICTs and broadband connectivity.” Dr Touré
added that ‘Broadband Inclusion 4 All’ must be fully integrated into shaping
strategies in the post-2015 international development framework.
“The
Broadband Bridge”, a Report issued by the Commission’s Working Group on
Climate Change emphasizes the far-reaching solutions that are enabled by
broadband connectivity, and provides practical examples of how this technology
can contribute to reducing greenhouse gasses (GHGs), mitigating and adapting to
the effects of climate change, and promoting resource efficiency. The Report
concludes with ten recommendations for policy makers and global leaders to
hasten and strengthen the ability of ICTs and broadband to accelerate global
progress towards a low-carbon future.
Broadband connectivity has the potential to provide solutions to sustainable
development challenges, while simultaneously increasing socio-economic
development and quality of life as well as facilitating transformative change in
a wide range of key sectors from power, transportation, buildings, education,
health and agriculture.
For more information, please see
www.broadbandcommission.org/work/rioplus20.aspx or contact:
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Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations
and Public Information
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