ITRealms:
Raising
from the global launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has emphasized the
vital role that information and communication technology (ICT) in meeting the
new SDG at a special award ceremony held in the United Nations (UN) headquarters,
New York, Saturday by honouring nine distinguished contributors to exceptional
leadership.
ITRealms reports that ITU used the occasion to officially recognized these
Heads of State and Heads of Government for their efforts to improve access to
ICT networks and services, stressing that the celebration of the power of
information and communications technology to drive the global 2030 development agenda.
ITRealms also reports that the ICTs in Sustainable Development Award
re-affirms ITU’s commitment to enabling development through ICTs.
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information at ITU, Sarah Parkes informed ITRealms that recipients
of the prestigious award include Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh; Mr Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of the
Republic of Fiji; Mr Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic; Mr
Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya; and Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib
bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Others include Mr Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; General
Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand; Mr
Tabaré Vázquez, President of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay and Mr
Meltek Sato Kilman Livtuvanu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu.
Parkes equally said the award was conferred by ITU Secretary-General, Mr.
Houlin Zhao at a gala dinner hosted by the Global Sustainability Foundation
(GSF), which celebrated ITU’s role in ‘Connecting the World’. Speakers at the
event heralded the catalytic role that ICTs play in the achievement of the
SDGs.
In addition, Zhao said the leaders recognized at this event set the
benchmark for improving access, affordability and application of ICTs to drive
socio-economic development.
“With the international community on the brink
of agreeing a bold 2030 agenda, it is clear ICTs have a fundamental role to
play in the achievement of the new Sustainable Development Goals. ITU will be
doing everything in its power to support our members – both government and
private industry – in driving sustainable development through ICTs, and will
work tirelessly to ensure the benefits of ICTs are available and accessible to
all the world’s people,” he said.
+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms)
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