Page 8 - SAMENA Trends - September 2023

SAMENA COUNCIL ACTIVITY SAMENA TRENDS

Broadband Commission Urges Collaborative Action to Accelerate

Connectivity and Progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Commission Co-Chair Carlos Slim. “There
should be no digital deserts in the world,
and there should be no one excluded from
connectivity. People have the right to enjoy
a safe, productive and affordable online ex-
perience. Broadband should enhance the
quality of life of everyone." At the meeting,
the Commission called for innovative in-
vestment models to bring together private
and public stakeholders to deliver mean-
ingful access and content to those most in
need. "As technology advances and 2.6 bil-
lion people remain unconnected, it's crucial
to prioritize universal and affordable broad-
band access, coupled with investments in
digital skills, and the elements that truly de-
fine meaningful connectivity, such as inclu-
sive and localized digital content, accessi-
ble hardware, cybersecurity measures, and
policies that ensure digital inclusion for all,"
The Broadband Commission for Sustain- partnership and cooperation is essential to said Hon. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda's Minis-
able Development called for a joint glob- achieve the UN Sustainable Development ter of Information Communication Technol-
al effort to achieve universal and mean- Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “We need to build ogy and Innovation representing Rwandan
ingful connectivity by 2030 at its annual a digital future that is inclusive, affordable, President Paul Kagame, Co-Chair of the
Fall Meeting held at UN Headquarters in sustainable, safe and people-centered," said Commission. The Commission's meeting
New York. According to the Commission,
the collaborative effort must ensure that "As technology advances and 2.6 billion people remain
people around the world are not only con- unconnected, it's crucial to prioritize universal and afford-
nected, but that they also have the skills
and knowledge to use that connectivity. able broadband access, coupled with investments in digital
The Broadband Commission—a high level skills, and the elements that truly define meaningful con-
public-private partnership fostering digital
cooperation and developing actionable rec- nectivity, such as inclusive and localized digital content,
ommendations for achieving universal con- accessible hardware, cybersecurity measures, and policies
nectivity—stressed that accelerating uni-
versal and meaningful connectivity through that ensure digital inclusion for all"

8 SEPTEMBER 2023