Khaled El Mekwad's opening remarks at the ITU Regional Development Forum for Arab States 2023

H.E. Mohamed Bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication of the Kingdom of Bahrain,

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU

Distinguished participants and guests

Good morning

I am pleased to take part in the kick start of the ITU Regional Development Forum for Arab States in Manama, kindly hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain through the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The United Nations is well aware of the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICTs). These technologies have become the backbone of our modern world, influencing every facet of our lives, from education and healthcare to commerce and governance. The ITU Regional Development Forum represents a strategic platform for nations in the Arab region to collaborate, share knowledge, and harness the potential of ICTs for the advancement of our societies.

Today, we gather in Bahrain, a nation committed to fostering innovation and technological progress, where it has taken significant steps towards realizing the full potential of digital technologies, positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and ICT development. Such commitment is strongly streamlined with the implementation of its national Vision 2030 and Bahrain’s progress in embracing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In hosting this event, Bahrain reaffirms its commitment to the international community and its role as a catalyst for progress in the Arab region. Discussions over the next few days will center on several of the most pressing issues facing our region, including bridging the digital divide, enhancing cybersecurity, and leveraging ICTs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These topics are of paramount importance as we work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays an active role as part of the United Nations (UN) Strategic and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Bahrain. As a specialized agency of the UN, the ITU brings its expertise in telecommunications and information and communication technologies to support the achievement of the SDGs in the country. It collaborates closely with various UN entities and national stakeholders to ensure that ICTs are effectively leveraged to address developmental challenges, promote digital inclusion, and contribute to the overall advancement of Bahrain's strategic and sustainable development agenda.

Through its technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and policy recommendations, the ITU helps facilitating the integration of technology into the broader framework of the UN's development efforts, promoting a more connected and sustainable future in the country, where no one is left

behind. Most recently, the ITU has been contributing to improving the digital innovation ecosystem in Bahrain. I am glad to learn that the ITU is currently working to develop a detailed analysis of the digital innovation ecosystem for Bahrain in collaboration with the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority. This digital innovation country profile will be an important tool for all the stakeholders, particularly the UN to build upon and address the recommendations aiming at improving the digital innovation ecosystem, as part of the UNSDCF implementation.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I invite all participants to actively engage in this forum's discussions, share experiences and insights, and foster partnerships that can drive innovation and development.

I want to extend thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain and the International Telecommunication Union for their constructive cooperation in organizing this event. It is through such collaborative efforts that we can make meaningful strides towards the digital transformation of our region.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that the Arab region holds an immense potential, and the rapid evolution of technology presents both opportunities and challenges. Together, we can harness the power of ICTs to bring about positive change in the lives of millions of people. Let us seize the opportunity of this forum to create a roadmap for a more connected, prosperous, and equitable Arab region.