Global discussions on ICTs for achieving sustainable development goals

To harness the potential of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for improving people’s lives and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, high-level representatives from governments, civil society and the private sector will gather at the UN headquarters in New York from 15 to 16 December to review progress on the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS).

Convened by UN General Assembly President Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, this High-Level meeting will underscore the use of ICTs for sustainable development, while promoting equal access to ICTs and broadband Internet in both developed and developing countries. In addition to bridging the digital divide, the WSIS+10 Review will address issues of cybersecurity, internet governance, human rights on the Internet, as well as areas of future actions to ensure a people-centred inclusive and development-oriented Information Society.

Immediately following the review, countries will convene a special meeting of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee and technical sessions of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), entitled “Prevent terrorists from exploiting the Internet and social media to recruit terrorists and incite terrorist acts, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms,” from 16 to 17 December. Participants will recommend a set of strategies to guide States, the private sector, and civil society in their efforts to prevent terrorists from exploiting ICTs.

A number of side events are also expected to take place with a focus on the use of ICTs in specific areas, including cyber security, measuring the Information Society, closing the gender gap, raising Africa’s digital presence, as well as showcasing best practices.

For more information, please visit:
UN WSIS+10 website unpan3.un.org/wsis10 (http://unpan3.un.org/wsis10/)
Side Events unpan3.un.org/wsis10/GA-High-Level-Meeting/Side-Events
ITU WSIS knowledge platform itu.int/net/wsis (http://www.itu.int/net/wsis/)
ITU – #ICT4SDG ict4sdg.tumblr.com (http://ict4sdg.tumblr.com/)
Special meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee un.org/en/sc/ctc (http://www.un.org/en/sc/ctc/)