Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to address you at this Second Plenary of the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee I of CITEL.

The Organization of American States believes in CITEL’s mission. Communication and the ability to access and share information are cornerstones of democracy, equality, development and opportunity.

Evidence of the power of Information and Communications Technologies, surrounds us. The internet has changed the world and continues to produce change as it evolves.

Technology has made it easier for us to connect. We’ve seen how a protest in Syria, can be transmitted around the world, while an election in the United States can elicit reactions in real-time from every corner of the country.

In some cases, information sharing has become second nature. Reactions and transactions have become swifter, and as we saw with the Arab Spring, it has the power to change lives beyond traditional boundaries.

Our world today is connected beyond what we could have imagined years ago. In my youth, for example, a cellular telephone was not a reality. Today, my teenaged children not only have access to cell phones, but the tenacity to demand a new edition almost every year! Smart phones meanwhile, make it unthinkable for a telephone to have a solitary purpose.
Global connectivity has become a reality. It brings home to us, in real images and voices, issues which affect our counterparts from all corners of the earth. Connectivity puts a face and brings a voice to those who may have been under or unrepresented before.

Social media is another option which many of us are using to speak out on issues, and express ourselves. Young people in particular, are taking advantage of this forum. Gone are the days when we waited months for a letter from another continent. In a matter of seconds, I can not only get an email from my brother in Holland, but if I wanted to I can see his face on Skype or view his pictures on Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook or something else.

Technology in action is evident all around us. Broadband connectivity has changed the way we do business. Financial transactions, investment options, and trading have been revolutionized by broadband connectivity.

With great power, however, comes great responsibility. There is still a long way to go and a lot to be done to ensure transparency and regulate the sector.

In an era so dependent on technology, it is now incumbent upon us to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to support increasing connectivity. Growing reliance on technology must be supported by strong national frameworks, policies and regulations.

At the same time, freedom of speech, freedom of expression and new power must be balanced with accountability and responsibility. With one click of a button we can spread information to hurt, harm or help.

It is my hope that we continue to focus on ways to help, and that we use advancing technologies to improve the quality of life for people. The Americas still remains the region with some of the greatest income inequity in the world. Unemployment, poverty, and lack of education opportunities are still real challenges.

Millions of people in developing countries also still do not have access to ICT and therefore are still unable to benefit from the range of opportunities. We must be willing to develop partnerships and programs using ICTs to improve the quality of life for these people.

For example, in Haiti, the OAS office has sourced and worked with a University in Canada to make classes available on-line for Haitian youth. It offers new opportunities to youth which were previously not possible. We must strengthen our resolve to put the power of connectivity to better use.

Last year, as Chair of the OAS Interdepartmental Working Group on Youth, my office worked with major internet giants to focus on these exact issues. It is our desire to do that again, this year because I believe the youth of the Americas have both the potential and the desire to make a difference on critical issues. It is our responsibility to continue to provide the channels for them to make a difference.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I am humbled by the achievements of youth of the Americas. Time Magazine recently focused on the millennial generation. The cover story described young people born between 1980 and 2000 as “earnest and optimistic and pragmatic idealists” who want to “challenge convention.”

I believe in working to bridge the divide between generations, so that together, we can stop talking about change, and start executing it.

At the same time, it is my hope that in our quest to realize the potential of ICTs, that we do not loose our personal humanity. It’s a conversation I’ve had with my children, who have been guilty of sending me a text message from 5 feet away, asking me what’s for dinner. (pause and smile) In all things, let us remember the essence of true human connectivity.

As I close, I would like to recommend the Committee to think carefully and exchange ideas on how to increase broadband access particularly to under-served populations. By working with both the public and the private sectors, we can perhaps, improve ICT access.

Our world demands that we become more efficient, and ICT is the foundation.

I thank you.