Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
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Rio+20: ITU and Brazil focus on broadband and ICTs for
‘Future we Want’
ICTs are enablers of ‘smart’, energy-efficient
sustainable societies
Geneva, 20 June 2012 – ITU and the Ministry of Communication
of Brazil organized a high level event under the theme, “Broadband and ICTs
for smart, inclusive and sustainable societies” on the eve of Rio+20, the
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
The event outlined the critical role of broadband-enabled services and
applications as facilitators for long-term sustainable economic development.
Discussions centred on two key areas: “Broadband and ICTs for ‘Smart’
Development”; and “Incentives for broadband deployment and coordination
of public and private sectors to promote sustainable development”.
Speakers presented their perspectives and experiences on the application of
broadband-enabled innovation as drivers of ‘smart’ energy-efficient economic
growth, social development and environmental protection – the three pillars of
sustainable development. They also examined the challenges confronting the roll
out of broadband as well as the solutions that need to be put in place to
harness the catalytic potential of ICTs to achieve sustainable development.
In a message to participants at the United Nations conference in Rio, ITU
Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré noted the critical importance of ICTs and
broadband connectivity in meeting future sustainable development goals. “ICTs
and broadband are the key drivers of the global economy,” Dr Touré said. “It is
imperative that we recognize that these technologies are the enablers of
sustainable development that will help us achieve our common goals – the future
we want.”
Participants included a diverse group of experts from government, industry,
the UN System and civil society. César Alvarez, Executive Secretary of
Communication, Government of Brazil; ITU Deputy Secretary-General Houlin Zhao;
Assistant Director General for Strategic Planning, UNESCO Mr Hans D’Orville,
Representing the Vice Chairman of the Broadband Commission for Digital
Development; and Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, Mr
Johan Wibergh, Chairman of the Working Group on Climate Change of the Broadband
Commission.
For more information, see
www.itu.int/themes/climate/events/rioplus20/17J_ITUevent.html
or contact:
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Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations
and Public Information
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Gary Fowlie (in Rio de Janeiro)
Head, ITU liaison Office to the United Nations
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