BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin gave opening remarks at ITU's Global event on Emerging Technology for Connectivity 2021. Aligned with the objectives of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), the event particularly considered applications of emerging technology to accelerate the digital transformation of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS and close the digital divide. It took place from 5- 16 July.
Ms Bogdan-Martin explained that emerging technologies could have their most compelling applications in the developing world – ''from AI supporting voice-based interfaces in dozens of languages; to IoT sensors helping countries improve agriculture and resource management; and digital work and learning platforms opening up new horizons for rural and remote dwellers,'' amongst many more possibilities.
She stated the need to collaborate with grassroots entrepreneurs and communities from LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS on new solutions, and empower them with the means to innovate for themselves.
''The key to our success lies in keeping our focus firmly on people,'' she said.
Find the BDT Director's full remarks here.
Find presentations from the diverse and engaging panel discussions here.
