UN chief calls for development of new information technologies with social impact

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for the development of new information and communication technologies to achieve a lasting social impact.

In his message to mark the day, Ban highlighted that Sustainable Development Goals specifically call for employing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to realize the overall vision of a life of dignity for all people.

"These technologies provide smart solutions to address climate change, hunger, poverty and other global challenges," he said.

"They are key instruments for providing mobile health care and access to education, empowering women, improving efficiencies in industrial and agricultural production, and safeguarding the environment," he added.

Noting that "young people are especially fluent in the use of ICTs," UN chief said leaders should invest in young innovators, who are part of the largest generation of youth in history.

Therefore, Ban called upon governments, businesses and civil society leaders to develop new technologies that have a lasting social impact and to "harness the power of technology to create a better future for all."

This year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day focuses on the theme: "ICT entrepreneurship for social impact", which highlights the role of ICT entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Endit