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STATEMENT BY MS NURUL FITRAH, DELEGATE TO THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 17: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 5 OCTOBER 2021

5 October 2021

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Thank you, Madam Chair.


Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Guinea on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; and Malaysia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We also thank the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item.


Madam Chair,


2 Many speakers have addressed the ravaging impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has accelerated pre-existing global trends, in particular digitalisation, as those of us able to do so shifted to remote work and learning. This rapid digital transformation poses both new challenges and new opportunities.


3 While some are able to leverage on these opportunities and foster growth, many are still unable to harness the use of digital technologies and solutions. The UNSG’s report on the Common Agenda therefore is a timely wake-up call. The UNSG has identified the digital divide as one of the six “Great Divides”. It is disconcerting that half of the global population still has no internet access in the 21st century. Digital transformation must be a shared reality, and this requires us to find sustainable solutions together.


Madam Chair,


4 How can we ensure that our societies can reap the benefits of digitalisation to emerge stronger? We need a collective, multilateral approach that is first, inclusive. The digital sphere is an important global commons that we must collectively manage. The UN provides an inclusive platform for member states to work together. The UNSG’s Global Digital Compact is therefore an important proposal, one that warrants further discussion. Rapid digital transformation necessitates a coherent global framework that lays down common principles and guidelines.


5 Second, the actions we take should be practical and scalable. We must make a concerted effort to find concrete digital solutions for greater efficiency, productivity, and optimal resources. This requires strengthening our digital infrastructure and investing in digital connectivity. Singapore supports the UNSG’s call to “connect all people to the internet” in his Common Agenda report.


6 Rapid digital transformation also requires an open and inclusive global digital architecture through common standards and interoperable systems. Societies and economies benefit when there is seamless connectivity. Our Digital Economy Agreements with several partners have facilitated digital trade and cross-border data flows which are essential for business linkages in the new normal.


Madam Chair,


7 Singapore strongly supports having an open, inclusive, interoperable, and trusted global digital commons. We will continue to support initiatives such as the UNSG’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the UNSG’s proposal for a Global Digital Compact. These are crucial building blocks towards a global digital architecture. Thank you.


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