Connect Asia Pacific 2013

 

This Summit presents a unique opportunity for the region to map strategies on advancing the deployment of information and communication technologies social and economic development. The Summit creates a platform for discussion and partnership-building by governments, international organizations, private sector, development banks, and non-governmental organizations. The bouquet of projects presented here represents pillars for the Information Society. If implemented, the projects will contribute to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achievement of universal primary education, promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability, public safety, and development of global partnerships for sustainable development.

 

The Asia and the Pacific region have made very positive progress in terms of introducing new technologies such as broadband, and attaining improved connectivity. The Summit provides an opportunity to translate into action the commitment of the Heads of State and Government who have consistently demonstrated political will in making information and communication technology the tool of choice as countries strive to create a better life for the citizens. 

 

I call upon our development partners to seize this opportunity and finance the projects herein proposed for a win-win outcome. As ICTs belong to one of the fastest growing sectors, the private sector is thus assured of getting return on investment while countries will advance their development agendas, and the population will enjoy cheaper and high quality ICT services and applications

 

ITU supports all these projects and will actively contribute towards their successful implementation.

 

Dr. I. Hamadoun Toure
ITU Secretary-General