51吃瓜

Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues and Partners,

I am speaking in support of the world’s 91 most vulnerable countries: the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

While access to digital technologies provides a clear way forward for these three groups, the reality is daunting: a staggering 720 million people living in LDCs are not online. In LLDCs, around 6 in 10 people are not online. In SIDS, about a third of the population is not online. 

To achieve the SDGs, universal and affordable broadband internet access in the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS is critical.

The P2C Digital Coalition has responded to this urgent need.

Since its launch in March 2022, P2C has rapidly evolved into a powerful multi-stakeholder platform. With almost 800 pledges valued at over $31 billion, more than 200 of these pledges target LDCs. I am also heartened to see pledges targeted toward the other two groups.  

I thank all pledge makers, representing diverse stakeholders. 

I want to especially thank today's contributors who have pledged their support to Bangladesh, an LDC, and two LLDCs (Bolivia and Paraguay). All these pledges represent the international community’s commitment to driving sustainable change through technology-driven entrepreneurship. 

Next year, we have two major conferences – the 3rd UN Conference of LLDCs to be held in Rwanda; and the 4th SIDS Conference to be held in Antigua & Barbuda.  Both offer important opportunities to respond to calls from these groups of countries to scale up broadband access and connectivity.   
I wish to propose that we launch dedicated P2C campaigns for the LLDCs and SIDS in the lead up to the conferences, in addition to our continued support for LDCs.

Let us remember our work does not end with pledges. 

We must focus on implementation, ensuring the promises we make translate into tangible results on the ground. 

Let us empower vulnerable nations with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. In this endeavour, you will continue to have my full support. 

I thank you.