Foreign Minister Shahid underlines the importance of addressing the digital divide
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid today participated in the High-level Thematic Debate on Digital Cooperation and Connectivity: Whole-of-Society Approaches to End the Digital Divide. The debate was organized by the President of the United Nations General Assembly, to highlight the importance of overcoming the digital divide to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provided a platform to discuss ways to further align the work of the General Assembly with the needs of Member States and to build momentum for “whole of society” in order to improve digital cooperation with a common vision of an open, free and safe digital future for all.
In his statement delivered at the debate, Minister Shahid underlined the importance of addressing the digital divide across the globe, by expanding digital connectivity and increasing international cooperation. He also emphasized on the importance of supporting the COVID-19 adaptation and recovery measures that would leave no room for technology-facilitated abuse, especially on the vulnerable groups of the society.
Minister Shahid then elaborated on the measures undertaken by the Government of Maldives to facilitate continued public services through digital platforms, despite the lock down that was imposed earlier to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He further explained the efforts of the Government to ensure the provision of timely information to the most remote corners of the country, while decreasing the digital divide within the society.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Shahid called for the leaders of the world to take urgent and immediate action to connect people all over the world, in a safe and secure manner, and to adopt a “whole-of-government,” as well as a “whole-of-society” approach to shape a common digital future that is beneficial for all, where no one is left behind. The President of the General Assembly convened this thematic debate in light of the importance of digital connectivity and cooperation in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.