(17 May 2007 2:25 pm)

MUMBAI: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged policy-makers and industry leaders to produce suitable technologies, applications and services to facilitate access to information and communications technologies to all those still deprived of the digital revolution.

Noting that the theme of this year’s observance is “connecting the young”, Ki-moon in his message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day today said young people with access to ICT often surge ahead in their quest for knowledge, and find it possible to “leapfrog” communication barriers with considerable ease. Young people are among the most prolific and knowledgeable users of ICT.

But he regretted that the digital revolution is out of the reach for many of them, especially young girls and women and people living in remote and underserved regions. The digital chasm leaves others out of this picture, and unable to capitalize fully on the benefits of globalization. Young people everywhere must have equal opportunities to rise out of poverty and illiteracy, and to realize their full potential.

He said since the advent of the telegraph in the mid-19th century, the International Telecommunication Union has been among the key players in helping the world to communicate. From traditional telecommunications to the latest advances in cyberspace, ITU continues to provide governments, the private sector and civil society with expert guidance and assistance in addressing issues related to information and communication technologies.

Following the successful conclusion of the two phases of the World Summit on Information Society, the entire UN system is committed to the plan of action strongly linking ICT with development.