Video Message
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Africa¡¯s digital transformation is not a future goal¡ªit is a present imperative.
This is clearly recognized at the highest level ¡ª in the UN Secretary-General¡¯s initiatives on digital transformation, including through the Pact for the Future.
UN DESA is proud to support this transformation
through our work on internet governance, e-government, data governance, and sustainable development, among others.
The progress is tangible. The United Nations E-Government Survey shows many African countries are advancing digital public services, building institutional capacity, and prioritizing digital inclusion.
We have also worked closely with African countries to engage actively in the Internet Governance Forum.
Since its first regional meeting in 2012, the African IGF has been key to shaping policy through an open, multistakeholder space and community-driven solutions.
Its annual sessions, most recently held in May in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, have strengthened Africa¡¯s voice in global internet governance and created a platform for inclusive dialogue.
But transformation takes more than innovation. It takes leadership, coordination, standards, and partnerships that turn ambition into action.
That is why this Forward Africa Leaders Symposium is so timely.
It unites vision and action at a moment when Africa is ready to lead on digital cooperation.
Building on this momentum, critical global opportunities lie ahead.
At the global level, the Global Digital Compact¡ª adopted at the Summit of the Future¡ªoffers a unifying vision for an open, safe, and inclusive digital future.
This December, the WSIS+20 review by the UN General Assembly offers a historic opportunity to re-energize digital cooperation for development.
On 29 August, the Co-Facilitators of the WSIS+20 process presented the Zero Draft outcome document.
As the secretariat for this review process, UN DESA will continue to support Member States and other stakeholders in charting the path forward.
From an African perspective, two key priorities stand out:
First, the draft places great importance on ensuring equitable access and innovation for Africa, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS through capacity building, technology transfer, and financing.
Second, there is a strong need to facilitate more effective participation of African and developing countries¡¯ stakeholders in global internet governance, alongside governments, the private sector, civil society, and technical communities.
In addition, the WSIS+20 review will also address rapid advances in AI, building on recent UN General Assembly decisions to promote international cooperation on AI governance, through the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
UN DESA remains a committed partner in ensuring Africa¡¯s digital transformation is inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable, unlocking its vast potential while mitigating its risks.
Thank you.