Welcome to ITU’s Global Event on Emerging Technology for Connectivity 2021. The event was conducted from 5th July to 16th July with a focus on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Accelerating Digital Transformation in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, ITU's Global event on Emerging Technology for Connectivity was held from 5-9 July 2021, followed by Capacity Building on Emerging Technology which was organized from 12th July to 16 July 2021.
The event's overall objective was to promote the wide-scale deployment of emerging technologies to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year the focus was on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)and targets SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Aligned with the objectives of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), the event provided a platform to discuss and engage in the use of emerging technology for connectivity in order to accelerate the digital transformation of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS and close the digital divide.
The event touched upon the fundamental features of emerging technology for connectivity, as well as specific application fields for Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Big Data, low earth orbit satellites, 5G, digital government, block chain among others.
The event highlighted potential challenges and solutions, as countries plan for economic recovery and prepare for the new normal. It showcased the best practices, broadened the space for participation and supported efforts to leverage emerging technology in endeavors to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This event has built partnerships and fostered reflections on emerging technology through the exchange of experiences and solutions, and engaged a diverse range of international, regional, and national stakeholders.