Video Message
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I congratulate the World Internet Conference for convening the Digital Silk Road Development Forum under the theme of “Connectivity and Shared Prosperity”.
Digital technology and digital economy have become the engine in driving the world economy, connecting national and local markets.
Digitalization brings tremendous opportunities to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through the force of connectivity.
However, the digital divide remains a great challenge.
Over 2.6 billion people are disconnected from the digital realm.
Moreover, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, including women, persons with disabilities, migrants and refugees, and indigenous people are among the most affected.
Excellencies,
As an essential part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Digital Silk Road has played an important role in improving digital connectivity and capabilities of communities, bridging digital divides and advancing sustainable development over the past decade.
At the United Nations, a Global Digital Compact will be adopted as a framework of shared digital principles at the Summit of the Future in the coming September.
It will support our collective work on digital advancements and cooperation, including meaningful connectivity, data governance and mitigating the digital risks.
I count on your deliberations to share ideas and solutions to strengthen digital cooperation and bridging digital divides.
I wish you all a successful Forum.
Thank you.