DUSHANBE, November 5, 2009, Asia-Plus — More than 20 member nations of the United Nations, including Tajikistan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, have supported an initiative to jointly build and manage the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway launched by Azerbaijan.
According to the UN News Center, the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) met on October 28 to conclude its debate on information and communications technologies for development and take up its agenda items on the role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence, and on human resources development.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Farid Jafarov of Azerbaijan said it was universally accepted that information and communications technology was a significant driver of socio-economic development and a powerful tool for empowerment and income generation in developing countries. It fostered economic growth and competitiveness and it contributed to poverty reduction and social inclusion.
Implementing future measures to improve information and communications technology should serve to increase Internet penetration by consumers and businesses at affordable prices; improve telecommunications infrastructure; and strengthen economic development through e-trading, e-commerce, e-heath and e-education initiatives, he said. The spread of information and communications technology should also foster social inclusion. Governments should promote development and implementation of e-initiatives within a structured framework.
“Azerbaijan was doing its part. It had launched an initiative to jointly build and manage the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway, which was expected to facilitate Internet access, telecommunications systems and e-information resources to countries in the region,” said Mr. Jafarov, “The Committee”s adoption of the draft titled “Building connectivity through the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway” would be an important step towards encouraging cooperation to close the digital divide.
