ITU AOIC should heed to needs of LDCs: Minister Sharma

By TRN Online, New Delhi, Mar. 22: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has pointed out the need of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office and Innovation Center (AOIC) to pay attention to the priorities of the least developed countries (LDCs).

"I hope, this forum will pay attention towards the need of least developed countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) including and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to meet their priority in Telecommunication and ICT requirements," said Minister Sharma addressing Communication Ministers Conclave held on the sideline of ITU AOIC inauguration in New Delhi today.

The minister observed that the establishment of ITU AOIC in New Delhi will be a milestone for capacity building of the member countries with ITU expertise in the region, thereby bridging the digital divides.

She said Nepal has taken initiative to keep apace with the digital age and formulated Digital Nepal Framework. "However, the limited capacity is posing a constraint to accelerate the implementation of this Framework. Therefore, I believe the opening of this area office will help us to bridge the capacity gap."

Full text of the address: 

Statement by Hon’ble Minister at the Communication Ministers Conclave, ITU AOIC, India

Honorable Ministers,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

1.     Namaste and Good Afternoon.

2.     I am pleased to be a part of the inauguration of ITU Area Office in New Delhi, India. At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Government of India for successful inauguration of ITU Area Office and Innovation Center in New Delhi. I would also like to thank the Government of India for conducting this Conclave in the sideline of inauguration ceremony.

3.     I remember that the idea of having this area office was envisioned by Honorable Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India during the ITU PP Conference in Dubai in 2018. I truly believe that the establishment of this office would fill the gap of upgraded regional presence to conduct programs and projects to utilize the recent technologies for sustainable development. This will bring ITU closer to the member countries.

4.     I hope that the establishment of ITU area office in New Delhi will be a milestone for capacity building of the member countries with ITU expertise in the region, thereby bridging the digital divides. This will not only strengthen technological cooperation but also boost regional telecommunications development. Further, it will accelerate digital transformation across the region and beyond.

5.     Nepal is also moving towards digital age. To make Nepal – Digital, we have formulated Digital Nepal Framework. However, the limited capacity is possessing a constraint to accelerate the implementation of this Framework. Therefore, I believe the opening of this area office will help us to bridge the capacity gap. It will also pave the way for mutual cooperation and experience sharing among the member countries. We can also benefit from regional digital engagement to implement ITU initiatives, technical assistance and policy guidance on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in South Asia.

6.     I feel that this conclave will be a foundation for future cooperation among ITU member countries to encourage bilateral and multilateral discussions and knowledge sharing. I hope, this forum will pay attention towards the need of least developed countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) including and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to meet their priority in Telecommunication and ICT requirements.  We are ready always ready for working together in this field.

7.     Finally, once again I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for their excellent hospitality and the warm welcome provided to me and my delegation. I wish all the success of ITU Area Office in achieving its goal.

Thank you!