TMT
“ WE NEED YOU , THE MOBILE INDUSTRY , TO RISE TO THE OCCASION – STEP UP AND MAKE A PLEDGE ”
DOREEN BOGDAN-MARTIN SECRETARY-GENERAL , INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION ( ITU )
“ The data that we have gathered while mapping and connecting schools has actually helped us to bring prices down by up to 50 %. A couple of years ago , Brazil made school connectivity a requirement in its 5G auction ; part of the proceeds were set aside to invest in school connectivity and the infrastructure for school connectivity . And that ' s what I mean about being innovative .”
Bogdan-Martin stresses that partnerships are a core component of the SDGs , particularly for the telecoms industry . After all , as she asserts , “ some challenges are too big for any one player to face alone ”.
“ And that ' s why the ITU called on all stakeholders to come together , to connect the communities that are left behind .”
A collaborative effort Just over one year after this appeal from the ITU , it has received almost 600 commitments , which represent a total value of around $ 30bn .
According to Bogdan-Martin , however : “ It ' s a great start , but it ' s not enough .”
One of the key themes of this year ’ s Mobile World Congress was the critical nature of collaboration , as we move towards an age where companies are becoming increasingly defined by the strength of their core partnerships .
©
ITU / Trans . Lieu
“ We need you , the mobile industry , to rise to the occasion – step up and make a pledge ,” Bogdan-Martin urges .
“ The fourth and final action is that we unite . That we all come together and we unite behind the SDGs , because failure is not an option .
“ This is our moment . It is in our power to shift the world on a sustainable and resilient path , making sure that we leave no one behind . In fact , I would say it ' s our responsibility .
“ At stake is the fate of the 2.7 bn people who remain offline today . At stake is humanity ' s relationship with technology and our ability to keep this planet healthy for future generations . Nothing less than an open , free , and secure digital future for all . So , let ' s build it .” mobile-magazine . com 51