ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

STATEMENT BY H. E. M. Soleimani
Minister for Information and Communication Technology

In the name of God the Compassionate the Merciful

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,

I praise the Merciful, the Almighty God and salute God’s prophets, in particular prophet Mohammad (PBH) and his immaculate households, the messengers of peace, friendship and justice.

Allow me, Mr. President to congratulate you for the important office you’ve assumed and wish you success. We are grateful to the Government and people of Turkey for welcoming us with warmth and to the ITU SG and his capable staff for their tireless efforts.

This Conference is taking place under very trying circumstances. Many challenges accruing from development divide continue to confront us. Moreover, monopolistic and discriminatory policies exercised by some, impedes access to science and technology. This scientific and technological apartheid fails to meet the principles of wisdom and human dignity.

The development and consequently the digital divide should be bridged through a cooperative and assistive international approach. Words and commitments should turn into action by putting ICTs in the service of development and peace and security. The ITU enjoys a central role in fostering such cooperation. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a cradle of civilization is decidedly committed to this objective.

Promoting access to, and use of, ICTs as well as information itself, plays an important role in bringing the benefits of digital opportunities to all. A holistic and non-discriminatory approach towards access should be followed.

The international telecom environment faces unprecedented developments, marked by the deployment of innovative ICTs and services. To cope, the ITU should respond by reviewing its strategies and working methods. The crucial role considered for ITU in the WSIS follow-up phase requires the present Conference to equip ITU with necessary means to fulfill this important undertaking. I would like to reiterate the WSIS clear cut conclusion that the international management of the Internet should be multilateral, democratic and transparent. This truly addresses the grave concerns over the unilateral management currently exercised over this medium.

Mr. President,

The Iranian Ministry of ICT is on the basis of national development plan and the 20 Years Vision Plan is executing determined to developing strategies and action plans aimed at ensuring provision of services to all segments of the society and in particular those marginalized, towards creation of a knowledge-based society on the basis of justice, love and compassion. It also takes into account the outcomes of the major ITU conferences as well as the WSIS. It includes, inter alia:

1. Developing communication networks; equitable distribution of facilities, utilizing advanced technologies;
2. Performing structural and regulatory reforms in the ICT sector including the establishment of a regulatory commission with the aim of supporting and promoting transparent and competitive environments and facilitate involvement of the private sector;
3. Planning and developing operational programs towards promoting e-applications;
4. Adjusting communication fees on the basis of providing access to ICTs for all segments;
5. Promoting gender-balance in accessing ICTs and empowerment of youth, taking into account ethical and cultural considerations of the society.

We expect the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, the followings:

1. To intensify its efforts towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility;
2. To help overcoming problems confronting communication institutions in the developing countries in the areas of access to software and hardware, including network security;
3. To discharge its deserved role in realizing the WSIS principle on the international management of Internet which should be multilateral, democratic and transparent.

Finally, The Islamic Republic of Iran has been actively involved in pursuing the objectives of the ITU. Iran’s recent chairmanship of the Regional Radio-communication Conference is a further proof of that. Our performance as a member of the ITU’s Council is also well received. During its tenure, Iran has played an active role in Council’s elaborations by assuming the vice-chairmanship of the Council’s Oversight Group. Iran is thus running for re-election to the ITU Council. Iran has also filed the candidature of Mr. Shafiei for the RRB from region E. We would appreciate Member States’ kind support for our election to both posts.

To conclude, I express my best wishes for the Conference and assure you of my delegation’s full cooperation towards that end.

Thank you all very much for your attention