Honourable Ministers, excellencies, partners.
It is a privilege to join you today on behalf of the International Telecommunication Union to discuss how South-South and triangular cooperation can advance digital development in Landlocked Developing Countries.
For LLDCs, solidarity across the Global South is a vital pillar of a more inclusive, equitable global development architecture, based on mutual benefit, peer learning, and context-specific solutions.
ITU's data on digital connectivity shows that internet uptake in LLDCs has been increasing at an annual rate of 11 per cent since 2014, significantly outpacing the global rate of 7 per cent.
However, as of 2024, less than half of people in LLDCs use the Internet. And in LLDCs in Africa, that number falls to a quarter.
Mobile broadband services remain unaffordable in half of LLDCs, where the price of a basic 2 GB monthly plan exceeds 2 per cent of gross national income (GNI) per capita.
Fixed broadband, which is important for heavy Internet usage, is even less accessible, with prices exceeding this threshold in most LLDCs. Fixed broadband barely reaches 5%, and in some countries, the figure is close to zero. For millions, the digital world is still out of reach.
But while these statistics reveal a blatant lack of equitable opportunity, they don't reflect a lack of potential.
That's why meaningful connectivity, ensuring that everyone can access the Internet safely, affordably, and effectively must remain a priority.
The Awaza Programme of Action makes it clear.
Connectivity is the gateway to science, technology, and innovation and structural transformation in LLDCs depends on progress in these areas.
But it also acknowledges that digital capacity gaps remain a major constraint, one that requires targeted support and stronger regional cooperation.
There are vast disparities in connectivity performance among LLDCs. Cooperation across the Global South is therefore essential, because countries facing similar challenges in regulation, infrastructure, innovation, and policy can work side-by-side to develop the most effective solutions.
ITU is implementing several projects financed by South-South arrangements across all regions.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Policy, finance, and skills remain fundamental to progress. That's why ITU works with partners across the UN system and beyond, to help countries shape regulatory frameworks that support digital growth, help build stronger institutions and unlock investment.
We assist governments in making digital projects investment-ready and ensure national teams have the knowledge and tools to lead.
We also support efforts that strengthen cross-border cooperation and digital trade through reinforcement of legal, policy and regulatory frameworks.
When regulation is clear, financing is aligned, and local institutions are equipped to deliver digital progress follows.
We are standing at a pivotal point in time, where choices about cooperation, investment, and inclusion will shape the digital futures of entire countries.
We must take this moment to turn commitment into progress and ensure that no landlocked country is left behind.
The ITU remains committed to working with you, side by side as a partner, advocate and ally.
Thank you!
