Today, more people are accessing the Internet on mobile devices rather than via fixed terminals — particularly in developing nations. Yet despite all this progress, we as the ICT community still have a lot of work to do to. We urgently need to connect the unconnected and extend the benefits of digital services and technologies to everyone, everywhere, says HOULIN ZHAO.
Today I had the honour to accept a GLOMO (Global Mobile) Award from GSMA – the association representing the worldwide mobile communications industry.
I deeply appreciate the role that GSMA and its members play in bringing together this industry to promote telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs) while engaging positively with governments and the United Nations family.
After two long years of separation, I was delighted to personally attend the awards ceremony today as this year’s Mobile World Congress opened in Barcelona, Spain.
ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao accepts a Global Mobile Award (GLOMO) for his outstanding contribution to the mobile industry from GSMA Director General Mats Granryd.
Breaking barriers
Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand the evolution of the ICT industry. The achievements of the mobile communications sector during the COVID-19 pandemic are proof of how far the industry has come.
Today, more people are accessing the Internet on mobile devices rather than via fixed terminals — particularly in developing nations.
Yet despite all this progress, we as the ICT community still have a lot of work to do to. We urgently need to connect the unconnected and extend the benefits of digital services and technologies to everyone, everywhere.
Almost all the unconnected today are in developing countries – accounting for an estimated 96 per cent of the 2.9 billion people who remain offline, according to ITU statistics. We cannot and must not leave them behind.
Transformational investment
What we need now is a transformational investment in telecommunications and ICT.
I have spared no effort in encouraging governments to support ICT players and create environments conducive to more investment in ICTs. This forms the heart of my long-standing strategy based on “4 Is”: Infrastructure, Investment, Innovation, and Inclusiveness.
These four pillars are key to ensuring that people and communities everywhere benefit from cutting-edge digital technologies, including today’s rapidly emerging 5G mobile networks.
Celebrating partnership
This award is a testament to the strong partnership between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and GSMA – and with the mobile community worldwide.
ITU’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly is set to open tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland. Running from 1 to 9 March, it is the first of three major ITU world conferences happening in 2022, with the World Telecommunication Development Conference and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference coming in June and October, respectively.
As a community, we have the opportunity to accelerate digital transformation for all. I call on all of you to join ITU in this effort. We need your ideas, experience, and support.
Let us continue to work together to build a more fair, sustainable, and connected future for all.
- Editor’s Note: Based on ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao’s remarks at Mobile World Congress on February 28, 2022.
