The annual WSIS Forum is the world’s largest annual gathering of the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) development community.
At the Ministerial Roundtable, Undersecretary Anna Ascani of the Ministry of Economic Development spoke at the webinar on Thursday 18 May organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNESCO in Geneva.
“The coronavirus pandemic has seriously affected our lives and the world economy. The vital role of digital technologies in keeping the economy alive was immediately apparent,” the Under-Secretary said at the opening.
“Today we can say that digitisation is undoubtedly an essential tool for the recovery of our societies. Now that our countries are investing to recover from the immense damage we have suffered, it is essential to improve connectivity and eliminate the digital divide,” Ascani continued.
“In response to the COVID crisis, the European Union has launched a temporary tool to kick-start the recovery: Next Generation EU, the largest stimulus package ever funded in Europe, a great opportunity for Europe and also for Italy. An extraordinary effort to support the transition of our economic and social system,” Ascani told the Ministerial Forum.
“The Italian 2021-2026 plan for recovery mobilises more than €300 billion and includes three pillars: digitalisation and innovation, ecological transition and social inclusion.”
“Italy holds this year the Presidency of the G20, one of the most effective and inclusive multilateral forums. In August, we will hold a meeting of the G20 economy ministers, to deepen dialogue and cooperation on digitalisation as a resource for achieving sustainable development” – concluded the Undersecretary.
