World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

This year the International Telecommunication Union celebrates its 150th anniversary.

ITU has earned its global reputation for resilience and relevance. I applaud the agency’s many contributions as the oldest member in the United Nations system.

Telecommunications – as well as information and communications technology – drive innovation. The digital revolution has transformed our world. We communicate more easily than ever before. But we need to be more than connected – we need to be united.

That is why the United Nations is mobilizing the world to forge a bold, new agenda for sustainable development.

ICTs can help achieve its goal of a life of dignity for all. New information and communications technology can help boost the economy and protect the environment.

This is a milestone year – the 150th anniversary of ITU, the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, and the potential starting year for transforming our world.

Let us work together to harness the power of technology for our common future.

Thank you.