Distinguished Guests, Colleagues and Students,
I am delighted to address you today at the University of Montenegro as the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau of the ITU.
I am equally delighted to be here on this great occasion to formally launch this IPv6 Laboratory at the University of Montenegro in Podgorica.
Today represents the culmination of a two-year journey and a recognition of a significant milestone in Montenegro's journey toward IPv6 readiness.
It began in 2021 when the Government of Montenegro and the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services of Montenegro - EKIP - reached out to the ITU to work together in this critical area.
It is a joint achievement of the two entities together with the Ministry of Economic Development and other stakeholders.
The IPv6 Laboratory is a testament to our collective commitment to preparing Montenegro with the necessary equipment, technical knowledge, and strategic approach to IPv6.
Apart from the National Workshop held on IPv6 strategies, policies, and implementation, experts were trained to help with the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, in collaboration with Mirpur University of Science and Technology.
ITU's support in also in fulfilment of the ITU Resolution 180 which specifically calls on ITU to provide technical assistance to help Member States facilitate the transition from IPv4 to IPv6.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The migration to this high version internet protocol - IPv6 - is a fundamental enabler of digital economy transformation and improved social governance.
Transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is not merely a technical upgrade but a fundamental step towards a more robust and sustainable digital future, enabling the exploitation of new internet-based technologies.
With IPv6, the people of Montenegro will have at their disposal, a larger internet address space to support the expanding number of internet-connected devices and users.
IPv6 also comes with improved built-in security features, and this will help enhance internet communication that is guarded against harmful assaults like eavesdropping, manipulation, and impersonation.
In the modern digital world, where smartphones and tablets are becoming more and more common, IPv6 offers better support for mobile devices. People of Montenegro will also be able to enjoy quicker connectivity of devices to the internet and to each other.
On overall, the IPv6 Laboratory will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, capacity building, and the development of Montenegro's digital infrastructure. In pursuit of the five priorities set by the membership for the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), it is our joy to see the ongoing efforts to provide reliable connectivity to everyone, and availing networks that give opportunities to use multiple telecommunication services and applications.
The completion of the IPv6 lab is a tremendous step in the quest for use technology for development.
I would like to extend my gratitude for all the efforts made to see this as a reality.
I also express my sincere appreciation to Montenegro for their commitment to embracing the digital era and to the ITU's Europe Regional Initiative for supporting this endeavour.
In conclusion, I am confident the IPv6 Laboratory will illuminate our way forward towards a more connected and a digitally inclusive Montenegro.
Together, we are building the foundation for a brighter digital future.
Thank you, and congratulations on this impressive milestone!
