潘基文秘书长对“连通亚太峰会”的视频致辞

Secretary-General’s Video Message for Connect Asia-Pacific Summit

Bangkok, Thailand, 18 November 2013

Your Excellency Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Touré

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to send greetings to the Connect Asia-Pacific Summit, and I thank the Government of Thailand for hosting.

The Asia-Pacific region is vast and diverse. It has numerous dynamic centres of innovation in manufacturing and information and communication technologies.

Many nations have experienced rapid economic growth. Yet there is stark contrast in prosperity and development between high-income countries and the least developed.

This is particularly true for landlocked developing nations and small island developing states.

Increased connectivity can help bridge this gap.

I am pleased that this Summit will promote the development of innovative ICT infrastructure.  I also welcome your focus on applications that can benefit people everywhere.

ICTs have considerable potential to support sustainable and equitable economic and social development.

They can accelerate our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

They can help us address global challenges such as climate change.

It is important that we make the best use of technology to empower people with the information, knowledge and means to improve their lives. Your Summit can help us achieve that end.

I wish you a successful meeting.

Thank you.