In her speech, Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the wide-ranging responsibilities of the ITU and its crucial role in promoting global connectivity. Originally established in 1865 as an international telegraph association, the ITU now focuses on two main objectives: achieving universal connectivity and promoting sustainable digital transformation.
As the first woman to hold this position, Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin also highlighted the significant digital gap that affects women and marginalized communities. She noted that women make up a disproportionate number of those without internet access, with a 20% difference compared to men. In the Least Developed Countries, only 30% of women have access to the internet.
Reflecting on her time in office on the eve of International Women’s Day, Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin shared stories of women who cannot afford smartphones, and the high cost of entry-level handsets in some countries, which can exceed 70% of the average monthly income for a household.
Addressing the topic of generative artificial intelligence (AI), which the ITU is a leader in among UN agencies, Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin acknowledged the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology. She highlighted its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance progress towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but also cautioned against the threats it poses, including cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation.
Despite these challenges, Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin remains optimistic, citing recent commitments from private sector and multilateral institutions to invest $46 billion towards accessible network connectivity. This is on track to reach the goal of $100 billion in investments by 2026. Furthermore, there are positive trends in certain regions, as a recent ITU report shows that internet use in small island developing states and territories has outpaced the global average over the past decade.
Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin believes that proper investments, along with decisions made at ITU events such as the AI for Good Global Summit and the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, can help bridge the digital divide and promote global connectivity.