UN High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace in the UN General Assembly
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin 's Message
Remarks delivered by Ursula Wynhoven, Head of ITU's UN Affairs Division
Peace is fragile.
Peace is uncertain.
But peace is our only choice.
The question is: How can digital help promote peace for all — and for generations to come?
UN Secretary-General Guterres told our AI Summit just a few weeks ago that technologies like artificial intelligence have the potential for enormous good, while warning about their potential dangers.[i]
This year's High-Level Forum on “Promoting Culture of Peace in the Digital Era" reminds us of the power and potential tech can bring to peacebuilding, as well as the need to address associated threats.
As the United Nations agency for digital technologies, ITU is committed to both — with universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation at the heart of our action.
Our two strategic goals are all about enabling communities worldwide to participate actively in the digital economy — ultimately fostering more inclusive, peaceful societies.
Meaningful connectivity and digital skills are especially key to women and girls, who still make up a disproportionate share of the offline population.[ii]
Truly lasting peace depends on them feeling safe and empowered to contribute and lead in an increasingly digital world.
As the UN Secretary-General has said: “The Women, Peace and Security agenda is one of our best hopes for a more peaceful future and a livable planet."[iii]
ITU initiatives like Women in Cyber and Girls in ICT Day are helping women and girls worldwide pursue careers in cybersecurity and STEM by providing inclusive platforms to learn, network, and improve their skills.
ITU's expertise in international technical standardization and developing collaborative regulatory frameworks are equally instrumental in making digital technologies more accessible, secure, and sustainable for all.
Investing in digital inclusion, connectivity and digital transformation for effective peacebuilding is more urgent than ever.
On September 17, ITU will convene SDG Digital in New York — an event that will put data and technology at the heart of efforts to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.
Join us and other stakeholders to explore innovative ways to leverage digital tools in pursuit of gender equality, peace, justice and strong institutions – and all the SDGs.
Halfway to 2030, we have no time to lose.
Tech development will not wait.
The SDGs will not wait.
And failure is not an option.
The UN family has a critical role to play.
Together with our members, partners and stakeholders, we can build a shared digital future where digital technology serves as a driving force for peace and prosperity everywhere.
Thank you.
NOTES
[i] Shaping Responsible AI Governance: UN Chief's Address at AI for Good Global Summit. United Nations. July 6, 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82QQCHBVTws (stating, in part: "Tech leaders and experts are warning of the potential dangers of AI, from the development and use of autonomous lethal weapons (…) but AI also has the potential for enormous good.")
[ii] Measuring Digital Development. Facts and Figures 2022. ITU. November 30, 2022.
[iii] Secretary-General Guterres' Remarks on Women, Peace and Security to the Security Council. United Nations. June 15, 2022.
