Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you at the opening ceremony of the Sixth Digital China Summit.
This is a very timely event, as the United Nations is working with Member States to harness digital technologies to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We live in an increasingly digital world, creating unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress in sustainable development.
Digitalization holds immense power to transform economies, enhance access to information and services, and empower individuals as well as vulnerable communities.
When used correctly, digital tools can be enablers, multipliers and catalysts in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
China has achieved remarkable successes in this area.
According to the United Nations E-Government Survey, China is ranked 43rd among its 193 Member States.
But challenges remain in bringing the benefits of digitalization to all.
Globally, hundreds of millions of people are still unconnected, unable to benefit from these digital opportunities.
Collectively, we must work together to ensure not just basic access, but meaningful connectivity, to all – leaving no one behind.
Distinguished participants,
Digital technology is a double-edged sword. It also presents significant challenges, including cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and the disruptive impact on employment and labour markets.
In response, we must ensure data privacy and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
And we must provide a safe and secure online space for our children.
In his report on Our Common Agenda, the 缅北禁地Secretary-General proposed a Global Digital Compact to be agreed at the Summit of the Future in September 2024.
This compact is expected to “outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all”.
It will touch upon areas such as digital connectivity, avoiding Internet fragmentation, providing people with options for how their data is used, application of human rights online, and promoting a trustworthy Internet by introducing accountability criteria for discrimination and misleading content.
I invite you to contribute to the United Nations initiative in promoting a digitally inclusive, open, fair and safe world, by sharing the digitalization experience of China, and by contributing to global discussions.
The United Nations Secretariat is ready to partner with you in advancing a sustainable global digital transformation.
I wish this important Forum full success.
Thank you!