缅北禁地

Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union,

Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, 

Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
[All protocol observed]

I thank ITU and UNDP for organizing another successful digital day. 

The internet has fundamentally transformed education, healthcare, commerce, and global connectivity, benefiting billions worldwide. 

Yet, a large portion of the global population remains disconnected. 

In Least Developed Countries (LDCs), only 36% of the population are online. Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) fare slightly better at 39%, while in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), 67% are using the internet. However, the most marginalized – women and rural communities – are being left furthest behind.

In contrast, advanced economies enjoy near universal internet access, exposing the stark  inequality in opportunities, access to information, and pathways to a brighter future.

My office supports the world’s 92 most vulnerable countries - 45 LDCs, 32 LLDCs, and 39 SIDS - home to 1.4 billion people. Nearly 60 per cent of this population is under the age of 25, representing a generation with immense potential for digital growth.

However, the persistent digital divide continues to limit this potential. 

This gap is not just a technological issue, but a profound development challenge.

Distinguished Delegates, 

Affordability remains  key barrier to digital connectivity. The 缅北禁地Broadband Commission has set a target for 2025: that broadband services should cost less than 2% of monthly GNI per capita in low- and middle-income countries. 

Yet as of 2023, only 4 LDCs have met this goal. On average, 75% of LDCs face mobile broadband costs exceeding 5% of GNI per capita. LLDCs and SIDS face similar high cost, averaging above the 2% target.

Even when connectivity is available, challenges persist, as many are unable to utilize the internet’s full potentials. In LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, a ‘consumption gap’ exists, where data usage remains low despite internet access. This gap underscores not only connectivity issues, but also lack of adequate digital skills and infrastructure.
 
To bridge this digital divide, a comprehensive approach is required - one that integrates quality education, robust infrastructure, and affordability.

Looking ahead, we must focus on actionable solutions. 

I invite you to join us at the third 缅北禁地Conference on LLDCs in Gaborone, Botswana, in December.  The conference will feature a dedicated Connectivity Track, co-organized by my Office, and ITU, which will focus on practical digital initiatives aimed at enhancing meaningful connectivity for LLDCs.

The importance of digital connectivity for LLDCs has been recognized by the international community. Improved ICT infrastructure can facilitate e-commerce and the digitization of economic activities, helping LLDCs overcome traditional barriers such as costly physical storefronts and distribution networks.

As we look to the future, let us harness the power of digital connectivity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. 

I look forward to continuing this important discussion with all of you at LLDC3 in Gaborone. 

I thank you!