The Executive Secretary Mr Piotr Dmochowski-Lipski participated today in the virtual Annual Fall Meeting of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Established in 2010 by ITU and UNESCO, the Broadband Commission sought ever since to boost broadband on the international policy agenda and expand Internet access across the world to reduce the global digital divide.
A year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic that has even further exacerbated the digital divide, more than 50 Commissioners and special guests, representing government leaders, heads of international organisations and private sector companies, civil society and academia, underscored the need to accelerate digital connectivity to fulfil the United Nations Agenda for 2030, centered on 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They further affirmed that people-centred solutions must be at the heart of building a sustainable path towards universal broadband.
The Executive Secretary Mr Piotr Dmochowski-Lipski reminded that on the path to global connectivity, it is important to combat disinformation and to protect freedom of expression in cyberspace.
On the occasion of the meeting, the Commission released its 2021 State of Broadband Report: People-Centred Approaches for Universal Broadband. While the Report highlights the progress that is being made in closing gaps and expanding the impact of broadband for all people on the planet, it also points out that a concerted effort is needed to reduce the disparities of access, adoption and affordability.
For further information, please refer to the official press release.
Photo credit: © ITU
