Esteemed colleagues,
ladies and gentlemen,
good morning,
and thank you for joining us for a practical exchange on leveraging ICT statistics to inform decision-making,
to strengthen data ecosystems,
and to harness new data opportunities.
Let me start with a simple observation.
Data is central to achieving our ambitions.
In a fast-moving digital world, we need solid evidence to make the right decisions,
to track progress,
and to advance Universal and Meaningful connectivity.
This is why in 2023 we teamed up with the European Commission to promote and measure Universal and Meaningful Connectivity and help countries adopt a holistic approach, which is a necessary condition for a prosperous and inclusive society.
Our workshop today is part of this joint project.
Most of you here are regulators and policymakers,
your role in the data ecosystem is key,
because the simple reality is that there is no supply of data if there is no demand for it.
But data is your stock in trade.
When you ask for it,
use it,
and demonstrate its value,
you create that demand.
This in turn helps ensure that data systems are funded, prioritised, and sustained over time.
At the same time, the dialogue between policymakers and statisticians needs to be stronger.
This has been a clear focus for ITU and, in particular, the Telecommunication Development Sector.
Without that exchange, data may not fully respond to policy needs,
and, consequently, policymakers may not feel confident using it.
This is also true about data literacy.
To use data effectively, you need to have the right skills and knowledge.
Over the past 18 months, we have organised ten regional workshops,
launched our first summer school on evidence-based policymaking,
and held more than 30 advocacy events to promote Universal and Meaningful Connectivity and the importance of measuring it.
Through these initiatives, we are bringing data and policy communities closer together.
We are strengthening the capacity of statisticians to produce high-quality data,
and of decision-makers to understand and use it.
And this work continues.
This very week, a training on ICT data to inform UMC policies is taking place in São Paulo in Brazil.
Today’s workshop is a continuation of these efforts.
It also marks the first time we are holding a dedicated workshop on statistics for GSR participants.
The discussions will focus on how data supports policymaking,
and how to strengthen statistical systems through better coordination and financing.
You will also touch on the opportunities offered by mobile phone data,
which is increasingly recognised as a valuable complement to traditional data sources.
This technique can support the production of more timely and granular official statistics in a cost-effective way,
while of course preserving privacy.
Regulators have an important role to play in enabling its use,
and stand to gain a great deal from it.
We have an excellent group of speakers who will share their experiences,
and I thank them for their participation.
Finally, let me also say how grateful we are to the European Union for their generous support and partnership,
which underpin many of the activities discussed today.
I wish you a very productive and engaging discussion.
Thank you!
