Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin has underscored the critical need to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women and girls as the world observes World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
This year’s commemoration carries added weight as it marks the 160th anniversary of the ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
In a powerful statement released this morning, Bogdan-Martin reflected on the ITU’s enduring legacy. “Since 1865, ITU has been at the forefront of every major communication advancement,” she stated, highlighting the organization’s pivotal role in the evolution from the telegraph and telephone to the modern era of satellites, mobile phones, the internet, and artificial intelligence.
While acknowledging the significant progress made over the past sixteen decades, with more individuals connected globally than ever before, the Secretary-General emphasized that substantial work remains. “Despite these advancements, one-third of humanity remains offline,” Bogdan-Martin pointed out, stressing the urgency of addressing this disparity.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, she asserted, serves as a crucial moment for introspection on the challenges that still lie ahead. “This year – and every year – we need to ensure that everyone, especially women and girls, benefits fully from the opportunities brought by technology.” This call to action underscores the ITU’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital transformation.
Bogdan-Martin extended her gratitude to the ITU’s vast network of collaborators. “I thank ITU’s 194 Member States and over 1,000 organizations from the private sector, academia, and the technical community that work every day to ensure that the technologies shaping our shared digital future serve everyone, everywhere.”
As the ITU celebrates its 160th year, Bogdan-Martin’s statement serves as a potent reminder that while technological innovation has connected billions, the mission to ensure universal and equitable access to the benefits of these technologies remains a paramount global imperative