Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
|
Rio+20 recognizes essential role of ICT and broadband
networks as catalyst for sustainable development
UN Conference also calls for improved early
warning systems and earth observation
Geneva, 22 June 2012 – Rio+20, the 2012 United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development has recognized in its outcome document the
critical role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in
accelerating the implementation of sustainable development commitments.
The Rio+20 outcome document has been agreed by UN Member States. It defines
the key principles that will guide the international community in the upcoming
years to move the sustainable development agenda forward.
The 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which
envisions “The
Future We Want”, has singled out information and communication
technologies (ICTs) in facilitating the flow of information between
governments and the public, promoting knowledge exchange, technical cooperation
and capacity building for all three pillars of sustainable development –
economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
While reaffirming their commitment to the 2005 World Summit on the
Information Society, Member States also stated that “information and
communication technology (ICT) is facilitating the flow of information between
governments and the public. In this regard, it is essential to work toward
improved access to ICT, especially broadband network and services, and bridge
the digital divide, recognizing the contribution of international cooperation”
to enhance agriculture services and improve communication infrastructure,
especially in least developed countries and small island developing states
(SIDS).
The need for cooperation and sharing of early warning systems from relevant
organizations, and the importance of technologies for mapping, observing and
sustainable development policy-making were also recognized.
“It is appropriate that Information and communication technologies have been
recognized as critical instruments to achieve sustainable development by the
landmark Rio+20 conference”, said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré. “ICTs
are unique, cost-effective, inclusive and environment friendly tools to spur
green growth and create jobs, promote social progress, and ensure environmental
protection and the sustainable future that we want.”
The conference invited the international community, including the UN system,
to mainstream sustainable development within its programmes and initiatives,
inviting all stakeholders to support developing countries to achieve sustainable
development through green economy policies and calling for the strengthening of
UN system-wide coherence and coordination.
The agreement is the result of multi-stakeholder efforts initiated in 2011
and built on the legacy of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (the Earth Summit). The essential role of ICTs and Broadband
networks was supported by the United Nations Group on the Information
Society (UNGIS), the Ministry of Communications of Brazil and a number of other
government, business and civil society partners. Together, they reinforced the
message that ICTs are cross-cutting drivers of sustainable development.
Note to Editors: Rio+20 Outcome document is
here.
For more information, see
www.itu.int/themes/climate/events/rioplus20/17J_ITUevent.html
or contact:
|
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations
and Public Information
|
Gary Fowlie (in Rio de Janeiro)
Head, ITU liaison Office to the United Nations
|
|
About ITU...