Broadband Technology to Connect 3.8 Billion People
Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General UNESCO at Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development Meeting September 2018. Photo: ITU
Broadband technology is critical to connecting the 3.8 billion people around the globe who still do not have access to the Internet—the world’s “other half.”
This is according to more than 60 participants from United Nations agencies, governments and the broadband industry, who came together in New York City on Sunday at the annual fall meeting of the United Nations Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.
The global group of key influencers and decision-makers met parallel to the 73rd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations also taking place in New York City.
Connecting the “other half” of the world was a resounding call to action echoed by participants, including the Co-Chairs and Co-Vice Chairs of the Broadband Commission.
Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), who serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Broadband Commission said: “We are reaching an important milestone with half of the population online. But advantages of internet access are not shared equally. Access to Internet is not enough in itself to improve livelihoods. We must put emphasis on digital skills and knowledge.”
The meeting comprised two substantive sessions examining the 50/50 moment of half the world being online and the changing face of information and communication technologies regulation.
Photo: ITU
