Ms. Orada Teppayayon, Principal Legal Expert, Acting Deputy Secretary General, Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC),
Dr. Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT
Members of APT,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honour and pleasure to join you at the 23rd APT Telecommunication and ICT Development Forum - the ADF-23 - here in Bangkok.
At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for convening this important forum, and for its continued leadership in advancing digital development across the region.
The long-standing collaboration between APT and ITU continues to be a cornerstone for advancing connectivity and innovation,
and driving inclusive digital transformation across Asia-Pacific.
Through this strong partnership, we have fostered regional dialogue, enabled the sharing of best practices, and supported countries in addressing their evolving digital priorities.
The convening of this Forum alongside the ITU Regional Development Forum reflects our shared commitments,
and our determination to strengthening synergies and collective impact.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Baku last year reaffirmed our shared vision, one of achieving universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity, while accelerating digital transformation in a manner that is inclusive, safe and sustainable. It also underscored the importance of enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, resource mobilisation, and international cooperation as key pillars for progress.
In Asia-Pacific, these priorities are being operationalised through regional initiatives focused on expanding connectivity, supporting inclusive digital transformation, and strengthening resilient ICT ecosystems tailored to regional needs.
ADF 23’s focus on digital connectivity, digital transformation and trust and safety is both timely and highly relevant.
As technologies evolve rapidly, it is essential to strengthen collaboration among governments, regulators, industry, and academia, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone.
In this context, ITU is supporting Member States through a range of initiatives that translate policy into impact.
We are advancing connectivity for underserved communities through programmes such as Smart Villages and Smart Islands,
and mobilising global partnerships through the Partner-to-Connect initiative.
Capacity building remains central to our efforts, with the ITU Academy supporting skills development and knowledge sharing aligned with emerging technologies.
Furthermore, ITU is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of digital transformation, by fostering collaboration across governments, industry, academia and startups.
These efforts aim to empower local ecosystems,
and enable countries to harness emerging technologies for sustainable socio-economic growth.
I would also like to commend APT’s work in promoting projects that we have in collaboration with Members from the region, which demonstrate the value of partnerships in delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I warmly invite you to participate in the upcoming ITU Regional Development Forum, where we will continue our discussions and strengthen partnerships.
I am confident that this Forum will generate valuable insights,
and contribute meaningfully to an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital future.
In the meantime, I wish ADF-23 every success.
Thank you!
