Excellencies,
Ms. Sônia Faustino, Acting Minister of Communications of Brazil,
Mr. Carlos Baigorri, President of ANATEL,
Ms. Cristiana Camarate, Superintendent for Consumer Relations of ANATEL,
Distinguished participants, and especially the girls and young women joining us today in Brasília,
Bom dia!
It is my great pleasure to join you from Tirana, Albania,
and to address the audience gathered in Brazil for this important celebration of Girls in ICT Day 2026.
Although I am speaking from afar, I feel very close to this inspiring event taking place in Brasília.
I warmly thank the Government of Brazil, the Ministry of Communications, ANATEL,
and all our partners for their strong commitment to empowering girls and young women through digital opportunity.
As you know, this year’s theme is “AI for Development:
Girls Shaping the Digital Future”.
And it could not be more timely.
Artificial Intelligence is already transforming our lives,
and redefining what is possible.
It has the potential to revolutionise healthcare and education,
and to be a gamechanger in terms of both climate action and economic growth.
That’s why the future of AI must be shaped by us all,
which means closing the digital gaps that mean some are left behind,
not least women and girls.
These important efforts reflect the strong commitment of the Government of Brazil, through a range of projects and initiatives, to encouraging girls and young women to explore careers in the area of ICTs.
It sends a clear message:
Brazil believes in your talent and your future.
And so do I.
I would like to encourage all the girls gathered in Brasília today to take full advantage of being here today, at this event created especially for you.
Be curious.
Ask questions and learn new skills.
Because technology is for you,
and the digital future needs your ideas, creativity, and leadership.
Some of you may become engineers, innovators, cybersecurity experts, entrepreneurs or decision-makers.
Some of you may create solutions that improve people’s lives.
Every expert was once a beginner,
and every leader started with a first step.
Today may be that first step for many of you.
At ITU, we are proud to stand with Brazil in promoting digital skills, meaningful connectivity, and equal opportunities for girls and women.
Girls of Brazil: your country is investing in you.
Embrace this opportunity with confidence and determination.
The future is yours to build.
Obrigado!
