PH Digital Transformation, International ICT Commitments Takes Centerstage at a Diplomatic Reception in Geneva

Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy (center, in barong tagalog) is flanked by representatives of various permanent missions in Geneva during a diplomatic reception in support of the Philippines’ candidature to the International Telecommunication Union Council held at the Philippine Permanent Mission on 14 September 2022. (Geneva PM photo)

GENEVA 27 September 2022 – The Philippines’ digital transformation initiatives and the country’s continuing commitment to multilateral cooperation in the field of information and communication technology took centerstage during a diplomatic reception organized by the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva in support of the country’s candidature to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council.

Guest of Honor Secretary Ivan John E. Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) addressed representatives of more than 50 permanent missions to share the recent strides made by the Philippines in terms of expanding IT infrastructure and utilizing connectivity to support development goals. The Philippines’ ICT Chief added that DICT’s productive partnership with ITU can serve as a model for other developing member states who are seeking to accelerate their own ICT agendas. 

Secretary Uy added that while the pandemic helped facilitate the use of connectivity for education, commercial activity and access to government services, it also served as a poignant reminder that all ICTs must be harnessed towards the improvement of the welfare of citizens above all else. This focus on development and ICT’s impact on human beings will be the focus of the Philippines in the ITU Council for the term 2023-2026. 

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. The Philippines is seeking re-election to the 48-member ITU Council at elections to be held during the Plenipotentiary Conference on 26 September to 14 October 2022 in Bucharest, Romania. END    

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGeneva/ or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva/.