BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

STATEMENT BY h.e. MR Dato Yusoff Hamid
Deputy Minister of Communications

Honourable Chairman, Secretary General of the ITU, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.

To begin with, may I on behalf of the Government of Brunei Darussalam, extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ITU and the Government of the Republic of Turkey for graciously hosting this conference, in this wonderful and historic country. My appreciation also goes to the people of Turkey for the warmth and hospitality extended to all the delegates at this conference.

May I also take this opportunity to congratulate you Mr. Chairman, for your election to lead this Plenipotentiary Conference. I am confident that under your leadership and capability, we will be able to meet the goals and targets set in this conference in efficient and effective manner.

Here today, we, from all regions of the world, gathered with the common intention to seek new vision and direction for the ITU to facilitate the worldwide growth and the development of telecommunications and ICT. This conference is also timely in light of the convergence of telecommunications, IT and broadcasting.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,

To be inline with the Geneva Plan of Action and the Tunis Commitment of World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), Brunei Darussalam has given its highest priority towards the effort to create a people centered information society where everyone can create, access, utilize, share and exploit information and knowledge. As a follow up to the WSIS, Brunei Darussalam has come up with the “Brunei Darussalam Information Society: Strategy Paper”. The paper sets out core strategies in realizing the vision towards an information society in Brunei Darussalam, which includes, promoting a pro-competitive environment, encouraging business/private sector investment and participation as well as narrowing the digital divide between the least and most developed areas. It also highlights several focus areas that are crucial in the creation of an Information Society, such as e-Education, e-Government, e-Business and e-Society.

In September this year Brunei Darussalam was given the privilege to host the 6th ASEAN Telecommunications & IT Ministers Meeting. The meeting adopted the Brunei Action Plan which outlines a series of program of action in building ASEAN capacity to enhance the regions competitiveness in the ICT sector. The essence of the Brunei Action Plan mainly highlighted on the importance of building capacity in areas such as ICT literacy, full integration of ICTs in education and training at all levels and creation of critical mass of qualified and skilled ICT professional and experts. The meeting also stressed that enhancing ASEAN’s competitiveness in such areas are crucial in ensuring ASEAN’s relevance in the borderless world.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,

Since its formation in 1865, the ITU has played a significant role in promoting global forum where Member States can equally voice out their views on significant issues concerning the development of the global ICT sector. Being one of the world’s oldest international organizations for telecommunications, the ITU must be able to prove its ability to meet the targets set by its members. It should not just depend on its technical expertise but must also acquire the strength in its policy areas. In order to realize this objective, the ITU has to be instrumental in adapting to the needs of a rapidly changing telecommunications sector particularly with the advent of convergence in technology.

To conclude, may I express our sincere appreciation for the opportunity to address the conference and express full confidence and success of the ITU proceedings towards uniting global common interests and welfare.

Thank you very much.