17 May 2014: In marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2014, which took place under the theme ‘Broadband for Sustainable Development,’ global leaders recognized broadband connectivity as a transformative tool for achieving the three pillars of sustainable development.

In a call for action, Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), outlined actions to accelerate the roll-out of broadband and make it affordable and accessible for all, as a way to empower citizens with information and knowledge to meet their aspirations and achieve sustainable development goals.

In a ceremony to mark the day in Geneva, Switzerland, on 16 May, ITU presented the World Telecommunications and Information Society Award to Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea, and Carlos Slim, Chairman, Grupo Carso, for leadership in promoting ICTs and broadband connectivity as a way to achieve sustainable development.

Touré said ITU advocates broadband for sustainable development to support the continued roll-out of fixed-line technologies and the deployment of mobile broadband as well as to combat climate change and address other global challenges. He called for defining policy priorities for action on allocating radio frequency spectrum for broadband, achieving universal access and employing leading edge technological solutions, particularly in the least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS).

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described broadband connectivity as “a key element of the debate on the post-2015 development agenda,” noting the role of information and communications technology (ICT) to offer “solutions for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.” He highlighted the role of broadband networks in providing solutions to manage cities and transport systems and promote innovative educational applications, among other services.

UN General Assembly (UNGA) President John Ashe underscored the role of ICT solutions in advancing the post-2015 agenda and setting “the stage for a more technologically inclusive world.”

WTISD, which is held annually on the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the ITU, aims to raise awareness on the possibilities that internet and ICT use can bring to societies and economies as well as to highlight ways to bridge the digital divide. [UN Press Release] [ITU Press Release] [Touré Statement] [Ban Statement] [WTISD Website] [Touré Call for Action]