Good morning, good afternoon, good evening everyone.
It is a great pleasure to join you today for this WSIS session hosted by the CMAI Association of India, a long supporter and influential voice of the WSIS Forum.
I want to thank my good friend Professor Goyal, President of CMAI whose contribution to the WSIS process has been invaluable over many years, especially in WSIS Action Line C7 linking ICTs with education.
I am very pleased to join Lt Gen Dr Rajesh Pant, National cyber security coordinator in the Prime Minister of India’s office, Dr. Amiya Chandra, Indian Trade Services, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Sh. Amit Sharma, Cyber Advisor for the Ministry of Defence, and all the other distinguished participants, and my warm greetings to Prof. Khandal, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting on a number of previous occasions.
Today, we will discuss digital transformation and the issues at the intersection of cybersecurity and new technologies. These issues are intertwined and all play a key role in ensuring that the digital transformation that is sweeping the globe can benefit everyone, everywhere.
Young or old, no matter where we are, we all need to feel safe as we engage with the digital world. Yet, with an ever-increasing proliferation of connected devices—coupled with surging use of digital technologies—the potential, scope and magnitude for cyberattacks is on the rise.
The issue of security and safety in the digital world has become paramount, and ITU is spearheading efforts to build confidence and security in the use of ICTs. As the lead facilitator of WSIS action line C5, ITU’s work spans strengthening cybersecurity capacity building, to promoting child online protection, to developing international standards.
As well as safety, another important element of today’s discussions is new and emerging technologies. From healthcare to agriculture, manufacturing and more, these technologies are already showing great potential to enhance lives. But they must be fit for purpose, affordable and easy to use so that users feel empowered to use them.
At a time when close to 3 billion people are still unconnected, what we call “digital inclusion” can only be meaningful and effective if and when everyone trusts these new technologies—and when these technologies are affordable, attractive and safe.
These elements were central to discussions at the World Telecommunication and ICT Policy Forum held by ITU last December, where representatives from across our membership adopted a set of guidelines in areas including building confidence and security in the use of ICTs, leveraging emerging digital technologies for sustainable development and enhancing digital skills.
As well as sowing the seeds of future policy, ITU’s work underpins the development of new technologies in a number of other ways, too, from the development of mobile broadband networks to helping build digital skills and capacity.
Inclusive access to and use of these technologies can help accelerate progress across the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our pressing task is to work together across borders and sectors to fulfil this promise.
That is where the WSIS Forum can make a difference, and time is of the essence. As the UN Secretary-General said recently, “We need to rescue the SDGs and get them back on track.”
I call on you to work together to ensure an impactful use of the WSIS Action Lines and harness the full potential of new and emerging technologies to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and deliver the promise of an equitable, safe digital economy.
This year represents an opportunity to take an important step forward.
ITU held its World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly in March. Our World Telecommunication Development Conference will take place in June in Kigali and our Plenipotentiary Conference in Bucharest in September. And of course, we look forward to the upcoming opening of the ITU South Asian Area Office and Technology Innovation Centre in New Delhi, which will help strengthen technology cooperation and boost regional telecommunications development.
This makes it a crucial time for digital transformation and digital inclusion. I would like to encourage India, our Indian partners and others to join us, take an active part in these important events and help shape the discussions.
I would like to conclude by thanking our expert panellists for joining this session to share their insights on digital transformation, innovation and harnessing the power of new technologies for a safer digital world.
I would also like to congratulate today’s awardees in recognition of their efforts to make our lives online more secure.
Thank you.