Delegates at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development must recognise ICTs and broadband as catalysts for sustainable development.
The Broadband Commission for Digital Development issued a “call for action” on this matter, saying broadband and ICTs will help achieve the three pillars of sustainable development - economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
“We believe broadband is a fundamental technology to achieve sustainable development that should also be recognised in future sustainable development goals”.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) secretary-general Hamadoun Tour'e says ICTs have created a watershed moment in human evolution and are poised to make a catalytic impact on the sustainable development of the planet.
“The roadmap being negotiated at Rio+20 must, therefore, explicitly recognise the potential of ICTs and broadband connectivity. 'Broadband Inclusion 4 All' must be fully integrated into shaping strategies in the post-2015 international development framework.”
The ITU adds that broadband connectivity has the potential to provide solutions to sustainable development challenges, while simultaneously increasing socio-economic development and quality of life, as well as facilitating transformative change in a wide range of key sectors from power, transportation, buildings, education, health and agriculture.
Wanted future
The ITU and the Ministry of Communication of Brazil organised an event under the theme, “Broadband and ICTs for smart, inclusive and sustainable societies” on the eve of Rio+20.
The event outlined the critical role of broadband-enabled services and applications as facilitators for long-term sustainable economic development. Discussions centred on two key areas.
The first is “broadband and ICTs for 'smart' development”; and the second is “incentives for broadband deployment and coordination of public and private sectors to promote sustainable development”.
Challenges confronting the rollout of broadband, as well as the solutions that need to be put in place to harness the catalytic potential of ICTs to achieve sustainable development, were examined.
“ICTs and broadband are the key drivers of the global economy. It is imperative that we recognise that these technologies are the enablers of sustainable development that will help us achieve our common goals - the future we want,” says Tour'e.
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