Towards a Common Digital Future: strengthening inclusive innovation and cooperation to bridge the digital divides
Distinguished Co-Chairs,
Esteemed delegates,
The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an intergovernmental organization on promoting peace, security and stability in Asia through dialogue and unites 28 Member States, 10 Observer States and 11 Observer and Partner Organizations.
Within the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) our Member States are interacting in the priority areas such as "Information technology" and "Security of and in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs)". More than 130 seminars and workshops have been organized in the last four years, including such topics as digitalization of the economy, new realities in the field of ICTs, especially amidst the post-COVID recovery, digital solutions for agriculture and SMEs.
The Sixth CICA Summit held in Astana in 2022 has adopted the Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Security of and in the Use of ICT. This document reflects the common vision of the Member States on the issues related to ensuring the use of ICTs with equal emphasis on development and security, prevention of the use of ICTs for illegal and other criminal purposes, as well as building capacity in and bridging the ‘digital divide’ for sustainability of the global information space.
Within the cooperation with other international organizations, the CICA and UN ESCAP in April 2024 held the joint side-event dedicated to the role of regional partnerships in achieving the SDGs including through the efficient use of digital innovations.
Dear delegates,
The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, current Chair of CICA, put forward several initiatives to further strengthen cooperation and proposed the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity to address contemporary challenges in the global economy, including digital connectivity and supply chain disruptions for enhancing global interconnectivity to stimulate transit potential and strengthen sustainable transport corridors.
In today's interconnected world, the role of information technology and digital innovation cannot be overstated. As we strive to achieve sustainable development goals harnessing the power of technology is essential. CICA remains committed to leveraging digital innovation to promote sustainable development and response and address social challenges such as poverty alleviation and healthcare.
The Global Digital Compact gives us the opportunity to foster collaboration and share best practices in digital innovation among countries, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient communities.
As we work together to build a more prosperous and peaceful future, let us seize the opportunities presented by digital innovation and sustainable development to create a better world for generations to come.
Thank you.
23 September 2024, New York
