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ITU at Rio+20 promotes ICTs as key to the ‘Future We Want’
Information and communication technologies are
catalysts to meet sustainable development goals
Geneva, 14 June 2012 – In the lead up to Rio+20, ITU is
strongly advocating that Information and communication technologies (ICT) are
the catalysts for progress and poverty eradication and should be recognized as
essential infrastructure with the power to bridge social divides and achieve
sustainable development.
“Information and communication technologies should be at the top of any
outcome adopted by the Rio+20 conference,” said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun
Touré. “ICTs have a catalytic impact on all three pillars of sustainable
development – economic growth, social inclusion and environmental
sustainability. And broadband connectivity in particular facilitates
transformative change in a wide range of key sectors from power, transportation,
buildings, education, health and agriculture with the potential to achieve our
Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr Touré added that ICTs can help achieve a sustainable development model, as
broadband-enabled innovation in applications and services promote the
integration of ‘smarter’ and more energy-efficient economic growth, social
development and environmental protection. He also pointed to ITU’s work in
developing standards for smart green technologies as well as earth observation
radiocommunications, remote sensing, meteorological satellite services, and
oceanographic radars. “ICTs are the key to building the future we want,” Dr
Touré said.
ITU is working in close coordination with a coalition of governments and
United Nations agencies as well as the ICT industry and other groups to secure
renewed political commitment for sustainable development and achieve “the future
we want”. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 20-22 June
2012 in Rio de Janeiro brings together world leaders, along with thousands of
participants from governments, the private sector, civil society and other
groups to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit – the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
ITU will participate in a series of side events prior to Rio+20, emphasizing
the need to strengthen the right to information and universal access to ICTs in
the draft outcome document of the conference.
ITU events in Rio de Janeiro:
- UN Day, “ICT and innovation for sustainable development”, 16
June, 15:00 – 16:00, Pavilhao do Governo do Estado de Rio de
Janeiro, Athlete´s Park
- UNGIS and ITU present “ICTs: the foundation of
our sustainable future”, 17 June, 17:30 – 19:00,
Room P3-6, Riocentro Conference
- Ministry of Communication of Brazil and ITU present
“Broadband and ICTs for smart, inclusive and sustainable
societies”, 19 June, 15:00 – 18:30, Auditorium
CNO-1, Atletas (off-site)
For more information, please see
www.itu.int/rioplus20/
or contact:
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Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations
and Public Information
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Gary Fowlie (in Rio de Janeiro)
Head, ITU liaison Office to the United Nations
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