Page 98 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

ITU Launches Connect2Recover to Reinforce Digital Infrastructure in

Countries Affected By COVID-19

digital finance, e-education, e-health, e-government,
or teleworking. “Japan recognizes the importance
to continuously work together with countries to
strengthen their digital broadband infrastructure
for adapting to the 'new normal', which provides
a base of teleworking and remote activities," said
Minoru Terada, State Minister for Internal Affairs
and Communications of Japan. “Digital technology
is playing a vital role to respond to and mitigate the
COVID-19 pandemic. Under these circumstances, our
project aims at improving the connectivity through
the development of resilient broadband networks to
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among
African countries." “The pandemic has affected the
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched global economy, financial markets, trade, and global
Connect2Recover with the support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and supply chains. Saudi Arabia recognizes its devastating
Communications of Japan and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and impact, which has hampered growth and development
Relief Centre of Saudi Arabia to help countries recover from COVID-19 by and reversed the gains accomplished in the previous
expanding access to affordable and reliable connectivity. Connect2Recover years. This human crisis requires a global response
will initially focus on selected countries in Africa which are some of the as the virus respects no borders, humanitarian
least well connected countries and likely to be hit hard by the pandemic in situation or needs," said Dr. Abdullah Almoallem,
socio-economic terms. COVID-19 has highlighted that digital infrastructure Director of Health and Environmental Assistance at
is not just a convenience but an essential requirement for fully-fledged the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.
participation in society and the economy. Broadband connectivity has “During this pandemic, we heavily depend on ICTs
proved vital in helping countries' businesses and citizens adapt and respond to carry out our daily life needs under the new norms
to the pandemic, enabling them to access the latest health information and of social distancing. As it assumed the presidency of
continue working, learning and socializing remotely. Connect2Recover the G20, Saudi Arabia continued its humanitarian aid
seeks to expand access to affordable and reliable connectivity, which is to other countries in order to help them to respond to
an essential aspect of countries' COVID-19 recovery strategies. “ITU, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and through this project we
the wider international community, is transitioning from aiding countries aim to enhance connectivity and leave no one behind
with their immediate response to COVID-19, to helping countries prepare in this digital age." “COVID-19 has demonstrated
for and adjust to a 'new normal'," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. the vital importance of meaningful connectivity and
“As the United Nations is calling on its Member States to 'build back better', it has also served as a wake-up call to the global
Connect2Recover represents ITU's contribution by facilitating socio- community to renew efforts to connect the 3.6 billion
economic recovery through the use of digital infrastructure, services, and people still offline," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin,
applications, thanks to the generous support of the Japanese government Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development
and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Connect2Recover will consist of three Bureau. “Connect2Recover represents a first step in our
key elements. journey to recovery and preparedness. I applaud the
First, Connect2Recover will develop a methodology for identifying gaps and commitment of Japan and Saudi Arabia, and I invite all
bottlenecks in the use of digital networks and technologies at country level: stakeholders to join this initiative to help advance real
to respond to and mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid progress for all." In addition to ITU's existing
as well as preparedness for any similar emergencies in the future: and to COVID-19 activities and work programmes in Africa,
enable recovery and readiness for the “new normal". Connect2Recover reinforces the organization's long-
Second, on the basis of this methodology, Connect2Recover will assist standing efforts to accelerate digital transformation
countries in assessing their needs, gaps and bottlenecks, and develop on the African continent and thus achieve long-term
strategies to ensure that the digital infrastructure and ecosystems development goals. Out of the 25 least connected
adequately support recovery efforts and the “new normal." These strategies countries in the world, 21 are in Africa. According to
will be designed in line with global best practices, as well as with other the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy for
relevant policy tools developed by ITU and other relevant organizations. Africa, nearly 300 million Africans live more than 50 km
Third, Connect2Recover will conceptualize and implement pilot projects to from a fiber or cable broadband connection. Access to
test specific technological solutions in line with national country strategies high-speed Internet thus remains out of reach for many
and policies. The project will also undertake deep-dive studies in specific Africans, hindering their ability to fully harness the
areas of digital policy as prioritized by the selected countries, such as potential of digital transformation.

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