Guterres: "Leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline"

This year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day focuses on digital technologies for older people and healthy ageing.

"From building smarter cities to combatting age-based discrimination at the workplace, ensuring financial inclusion, safeguarding independence, and supporting millions of caregivers across the world – information technology has vast potential to improve the lives of older people and their families and communities" said United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in his message he issued for the day observed on 17 May. 

"But to make the most of the opportunities presented by 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital health, and other technologies, we must dramatically improve accessibility and inclusivity" he emphasized. 

Secretary General reminded in his message that nearly half of humanity still has no access to the internet. "We must connect everyone, everywhere by 2030 — because leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline. At the same time, we must take action to prevent and reduce the dangers of information technology, including the spread of misinformation and the exploitation of personal data" he said. 

Explaining his vision of a Roadmap for Digital Co-operation he said it will embrace the promise of digital technology while protecting people from its perils.  

Secretary General commended the International Telecommunication Union for its vital work narrowing the digital divide, setting standards, and connecting people wherever they are, whatever their means.

"On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let us commit to working together to ensure that technology is equitable, safe, and affordable for all people and all ages" he ended his message.