Tuesday, 5 October Cyprus Moreover, during the years, we have managed to utilise successfully our strategic location for tel-ecommunication ICT can play a key role in achieving the global goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels and to improving energy efficiency by 20%. ICT offer potential for a structural shift to less resource-intensive products and services, for energy savings in buildings and elec-tricity purposes, since we are located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. We have developed an excellent satellite and submarine ca-ble infrastructure, which is not only used to con-nect the Island with its neighboring countries and networks, as well as for more efficient and less the rest of the world, but also to transfer traffic be-tween energy consuming intelligent transport systems. continents. To further enhance our position These challenges are not ahead of us, they are with us and we need to face them urgently. The ITU needs to maintain its leadership in promoting the infor-mation we are constantly trying to upgrade and develop this infrastructure, to ensure that coverage and quality are optimized. A robust and reliable telecommunica-tions society of the 21st century and bridging the framework is the key for the development of an digital divide. It needs to lead the way in building a cyber-society that people can trust. Network and in-formation international finance, trading and shipping centre. In closing, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to address this Plenipotentiary Conference. I am confident that the Conference will fulfill its goals and all together take the right policy decisions that will help us shape the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) worldwide, in the years to come. security and data and privacy protection need to be addressed. Mr. Chairman, The Republic of Cyprus could not remain inactive in this digital revolution. We are currently updating our Digital Strategy to achieve the goals set out in the European digital agenda that was announced in May 2010. Our vision is that Information and Communication Technologies become the catalyst to accelerate our economy and create high paying jobs and new creative opportunities. We are de-veloping Thank you Mr. Chairman, And thank you all for your attention. specific action plans for the promotion and growth of Information Society in the whole of Cyprus, including also under-served regions in order to bridge the digital gap and pave the way for the successful introduction of new innovative services in the whole of Cyprus. 55