NARROWING DIGITAL DIVIDE CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING GLOBAL ANTI-POVERTY GOALS, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE TO SEOUL MEETING ON INTERNET ECONOMY

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy, in Seoul, 17 June:

Your Excellency, President Lee Myung-bak,

Mr. Secretary-General of the OECD,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am honoured to send warm greetings to this Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy.  I congratulate the Government of the Republic of Korea and the OECD on organizing such a lively debate on a vital and timely topic.

The Internet has brought about a sea change in the quality of life of millions around the world.  Yet most of the world’s people are still isolated from its benefits.

That is why narrowing the digital divide is a crucial part of our global efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals -- our common vision for building a better world for the twenty-first century.

This Ministerial Meeting provides a valuable platform for developing an inclusive information society that will accelerate the pace of social and economic development.

It is highly fitting that, at this meeting, you will discuss ways to improve economic performance and social welfare, build confidence, benefit from convergence, and promote creativity.

In so doing, you will help chart a path for the crucial partnerships that hold the key to the Internet economy of the future -- one that benefits those who need it most.

In this spirit, please accept my best wishes for a successful meeting.

Thank you very much.

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