Egypt and the International Telecommunication Union chair a ministerial round table on priorities for action during the next phase of achieving digital development
Eng. Rafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, with the participation of Mrs. Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, chaired a ministerial round table on work priorities during the next phase to achieve digital development, within the activities of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS Forum), which is chaired by Egypt and hosted by Geneva in Switzerland, in the presence of a number of ministers and deputy ministers from around the world.
The ministerial round table aimed to provide an opportunity for Member States to review their national digital priorities, exchange experiences in the field of policies, and identify areas of teamwork, through three main axes. The first axis focused on artificial intelligence strategy and policies, including capacity building, expanding access to digital skills and resources, and strengthening international cooperation to employ artificial intelligence responsibly and comprehensively. The second axis dealt with digital transformation by strengthening public digital infrastructure and public digital goods such as open source software, open data, open artificial intelligence models, and open standards. The third axis focused on infrastructure and digital inclusion, by discussing ways to expand Internet connectivity and bridge digital gaps between countries, regions and different groups.
In his speech, Eng. Rafat Hindi stressed that the discussions of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum this year reflected a wealth of ideas and experiences, and confirmed the commitment of the international community to forging a more inclusive and secure, people-centered digital future.
He explained that the discussions presented by the ministerial table will contribute to shaping the next stage of digital development, which is based on three main axes, including the use of artificial intelligence as an engine of opportunities, and accelerating digital transformation through public digital infrastructure and public digital goods, in addition to enhancing digital infrastructure and digital inclusion.
Eng. Rafat Hindi pointed out that Egypt continues to invest in building its national capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, and is committed to sharing its experiences, while benefiting from international best practices, explaining that artificial intelligence is already contributing around the world to improving health, education, agriculture and government services, stressing the importance of expanding access to artificial intelligence skills, open models, training data, and computer capabilities to ensure that everyone benefits from the opportunities provided by this technology.
He added that open standards, interoperable systems and reliable governance frameworks represent key elements to provide fast and accessible services to all, pointing out that Egypt has made tangible progress in building the digital identity system, digital payments, and open source platforms that reach rural communities, women, micro, small and medium enterprises, and youth.
He stressed that communication gaps remain a challenge, but they also represent an opportunity for innovation and investment, pointing out that Egypt continues to expand the availability of broadband services, enhance communication in rural areas, and build digital skills for women and youth. He added that at the global level, innovative financing mechanisms can contribute to delivering infrastructure to less fortunate areas and providing new economic opportunities.
He pointed out that the discussions witnessed by the forum confirm the existence of a common and positive vision to achieve a digital transformation that contributes to empowering individuals and strengthening economies, stressing that Egypt welcomes working with all international partners to turn this vision into reality, to ensure that artificial intelligence, public digital infrastructure, and digital communication become real engines of opportunities and comprehensive development in every society.
He concluded by stressing the commitment to work together to achieve digital inclusion and to provide meaningful communication for all.
