The Secretary General of the CTO Ms Bernadette Lewis,
The Chair of the CTO Forum, Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Cameroon
Mr John Curran,
President and Chief Executive Officer American Registry for Internet Numbers,
CTO ICT Sector Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and good morning. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation ICT Forum 2023.
As the oldest and largest Commonwealth information and communication technologies organisation, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation shares a 122-year history traced to 1899 when the Pacific Cable Board was established to complete the British Empire’s global telegraph network linking the Pacific to Canada.
Thereon, the Pacific Board has evolved, as a multi-stakeholder intergovernmental treaty organisation and holds a current mandate to promote and foster effective ICT adoption and the use of ICT for social and economic development within the Commonwealth and beyond.
As the World continues to transform, we recognise the power of ICT in being resilient and agile in the areas of climate change and during the COVID-19 pandemic – disseminating knowledge in a state of lockdown and maintaining business continuity. And supporting the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – those who were sceptical were converted.
It is under these circumstances that we understand the importance of and need for the CTO – an organisation dedicated to supporting the Commonwealth in effective adoption of ICT.
As the World emerges from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, the CTO is also emerging from this period of tumult and reinventing itself to be relevant in this new era. The CTO has charted a new course to facilitate action that seeks to deliver a measurable beneficial impact on the lives of the citizens of the Commonwealth and continue to support its members in accelerating digital transformation in the Commonwealth and beyond.
The CTO’s digital transformation work will be focussed on the establishment of 21st Century Governments that make effective use of technology to serve its citizens and facilitate the provision of affordable universal broadband connectivity.
The CTO will break new ground in delivering value added services, customised programmes for members and capacity building to mention a few.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The inaugural Digital Week 2023’s theme “Action for Impact” reflects the CTO’s commitment to enhance its value to members. We are determined to move beyond interminable talk, to the development of realistic plans and ultimately successful implementation to ensure that there is accelerated digital transformation.
The delegates of this forum will have the opportunity to hear from the industry about evolving technological trends and better understand the role of ICT in transforming governments and the prerequisites for effective adoption. I encourage you all to discuss and contribute to the formulation of recommendations which will be submitted to the CTO’s 60th Council that will convene at the end of Digital Week to accelerate digital transformation.
Finally, I would be remiss, If I did not thank the CTO Secretariat and my fellow executive committee members – for stabilising the CTO in these uncertain times – charting a new course of action for impact which is being unveiled during Digital Week. I thank you all for being here, your support for the CTO is a demonstration of commitment. I wish you all an engaging and productive Forum 2023.