His Excellency Mr. Mammethan Chakyyev
Her Excellency Ms. Rabab Fatima …
distinguished participants,
Good morning.
It is a privilege to join you today on behalf of the International Telecommunication Union.
This discussion comes at a critical time.
For landlocked developing countries, connectivity is key to the future.
It opens doors to markets, enriches education, drives innovation and connects communities to essential services. Digital exclusion therefore directly translates into social and economic exclusion.
The ITU recently released data in our flagship publication, Facts and Figures with a focus on LLDCs. The trends are clear. Internet use is rising, mobile broadband has become more affordable, and some countries are making major progress in expanding access.
But progress is uneven. In 2024, just 39% of people in LLDCs were online compared to 68% globally, and mobile phone ownership stands at roughly 13 in 20.
In rural areas, the gap is even wider, only 28% use the Internet, versus 63% worldwide. And, overwhelmingly, women remain less connected than men.
LLDCs face real and persistent barriers. Insufficient international connectivity with no direct access to undersea cables and vast geographies combined with low population density. These factors raise the cost of deploying networks and service providers often pass those costs on to consumers.
As a result, entire communities remain disconnected and LLDCs remain underrepresented in global digital trade. The task before us is to deliver resilient, secure, fast and reliable connectivity so that every person, in every landlocked country, can participate fully in the digital world.
The Awaza Programme of Action outlines what is needed. Stronger infrastructure, regional cooperation, investment in skills, and institutional capacity.
ITU is working alongside governments and partners to support these efforts. From strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, to dynamic spectrum management, setting appropriate standards, network deployment, digital skills development, infusing innovation, and much more.
Partnerships is at the core of progress. Through ITU's Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, over 1,000 pledges have been made totalling more than 76 billion USD to expand connectivity.
A significant share supports LLDCs, with investments directed toward broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and policy development.
Connectivity starts with networks, but it must reach people providing universal and meaningful connectivity. It should enable education, support entrepreneurs, expand e-government help countries prepare for climate-related risks through early warning systems and other meet other needs for humanity.
The choices made at this conference will shape the digital landscape for 32 landlocked developing countries and for over half a billion people that are still unconnected.
Now is the time to move forward with clear goals and a shared sense of responsibility.
Our new report highlights connectivity gaps. This concrete data can help LLDC policymakers prioritise digital development and ensure that LLDC digital needs remain a priority on the global development agenda.
Let's ensure that every country has a fair chance to build its digital future and fully participate in the global community.
Thank you.
