Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Leveraging Digital Technology in the Context of COVID-19: An Inclusive, Healthy, Resilient and Peaceful Africa, Africa Day at the HLPF, Side Event during the 2020 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
2020/7/16
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
I wish to express my appreciation to UNOSAA, AU, UNECA and UNDP colleagues for the opportunity to address this year’s Africa Day event.
The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly grown out of the realm of health emergency to become one of most severe human security crises in our history, immensely impacting the whole spectrum of the lives of individuals and communities, their survival, livelihood and dignity across the world.
During the lockdown, we all witnessed how digital technologies enhance resilience of our society, reshaping the way we live, work and relate each other. We are all aware that there is no return to the pre-COVID-19 time.
Yet, not everyone has been able to benefit from such new dynamics. About half of the global population are not connected to the internet, the largest share being in sub-Saharan Africa. Those living in rural areas and remote communities, the most vulnerable in this region are largely left behind. Today, internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a basic need. And we must urgently address the widening inequalities between those who are connected and those who are not.
It is undeniable that the role of digital technologies and international cooperation are far more critical in the post COVID-19 era. They are key to accelerating our collective response to building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.
In this regard, we would like to highlight our key contributions to realizing digital transformation in Africa.
Taking this opportunity, I am pleased to announce that the next TICAD8 will return to the African continent: it will be hosted by the Republic of Tunisia in 2022.
Together with our co-organisers, UNOSAA, AUC, UNDP and World Bank and in close collaboration with the host country Tunisia, we will continue to fully support Africa-led development towards TICAD8 in pursuit of the Agenda 2030 and the Agenda 2063.
I wish to express my appreciation to UNOSAA, AU, UNECA and UNDP colleagues for the opportunity to address this year’s Africa Day event.
The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly grown out of the realm of health emergency to become one of most severe human security crises in our history, immensely impacting the whole spectrum of the lives of individuals and communities, their survival, livelihood and dignity across the world.
During the lockdown, we all witnessed how digital technologies enhance resilience of our society, reshaping the way we live, work and relate each other. We are all aware that there is no return to the pre-COVID-19 time.
Yet, not everyone has been able to benefit from such new dynamics. About half of the global population are not connected to the internet, the largest share being in sub-Saharan Africa. Those living in rural areas and remote communities, the most vulnerable in this region are largely left behind. Today, internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a basic need. And we must urgently address the widening inequalities between those who are connected and those who are not.
It is undeniable that the role of digital technologies and international cooperation are far more critical in the post COVID-19 era. They are key to accelerating our collective response to building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.
In this regard, we would like to highlight our key contributions to realizing digital transformation in Africa.
- First and foremost, education. We believe that it is important to keep investing in education and more emphasis should be placed on ensuring that all individuals are equipped with strong foundation skills, digital literacy and cognitive skills. That would enable people to fully participate in the increasingly digitalized economy and society. Japan has been supporting STEM education in Africa over 20 years, along with the capacity building & international research collaboration with infectious disease laboratories and local researchers for over 40 years in the spirit of “local solutions for global issues.”
- Secondly, sound STI policies and mainstreaming of SDGs in science, technology and research & innovation policies are central to supporting societal transformation. Japan has been assisting the Global Pilot Programme on STI for SDGs Roadmap under the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism. We will step up our support to African countries including through South-South and Triangular Cooperation with partner countries like India.
- Thirdly, a stronger and effective partnership is of paramount importance. TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) has been a vital platform over a quarter of a century that leverages multi-stakeholder collaborations for Africa at scale.
Taking this opportunity, I am pleased to announce that the next TICAD8 will return to the African continent: it will be hosted by the Republic of Tunisia in 2022.
Together with our co-organisers, UNOSAA, AUC, UNDP and World Bank and in close collaboration with the host country Tunisia, we will continue to fully support Africa-led development towards TICAD8 in pursuit of the Agenda 2030 and the Agenda 2063.