Six billion mobile devices worldwid,1.2 billion mobile Web users, in 2011, 7 trillion mobile phone texts sent around the globe & by the year 2015, 183 billion smart phone applications are expected to be downloaded, according to UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Zha Zukang, who is also Secretary-General of Rio+20, “These benefits have been vast and profound… connection technologies have enhanced productivity by putting information at our fingertips. They help overcome disadvantages, contributing to social equity. Thanks to these tools, many more groups now enjoy access to essential information, knowledge and services.” The Rio+20 theme is “The Future We Want.” The UN has prepared a short film report as well: - See diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/rio20-your-future/29236. In Advance of Rio+20: Mr. Zukang (UN Photo Above) was speaking to a prep-Conference in advance of June 2012 which was held this last weekend at Stanford University in Palo Alto California. The Conference on “connection technologies” was organized by the US State Department as well as Stanford University. The Conference brought together more than 400 global policymakers, development practitioners and technology innovators and was aimed at exploring how to advance sustainable development in health, environment, agriculture and other fields The upcoming United Nations summit on sustainable development is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set the world on a durable track that guarantees a decent standard of living for everyone today without compromising the needs of future generations, a top UN official says. Also See Film Report: - “Environment Emergencies Ahead of Rio+20” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/environment-emergencies-ahead-of-rio20-by-ambassador-mo/39348 Technology & Education: Panel sessions examined the innovation culture, and the role of governments and civil society, in fostering innovation. Mr. Zukang said connection technologies help complement and enhance traditional education, serving as teaching aids and making it possible to access free textbooks, digital and e-publications: “My department has projected the world population to reach nine billion by 2050. The resources of our planet will not increase during this span. If we want a future where there is economic growth, equity, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability… connection technologies will be critical. We owe our young people, and our children, a hopeful future, a future we all want.”Mr. Zukang also called on delegates to advance the sustainable development agenda, through a big push in information and connection technologies. He also urged them to develop and bring new voluntary initiatives to Rio+20. “I look forward to continued global leadership by the United States in advancing sustainable development. Together we can leverage the transformational power of connection technologies to build a fairer, more sustainable and prosperous world for all.” Read: -“UN Launches Women/Girls Tech Portal”- diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-launches-womengirls-tech-career-portal-by-ambassador-mo/44025 Digital Divide: Mr. Zukang said there was a great need to address the digital divide. Experience on the ground strongly suggests that there is a tremendous yearning among the poor – not only for ICTs per se – but also for what ICTs can make possible. “We must give ICTs the status of basic infrastructure, similar to energy or water. The donor community should review their development policies in the same vein.” Also Read: “Connectedness Translates to Prosperity” - www.filmannex.com/posts/blog_show_post/connectedness-translates-to-prosperity-by-ambassador-mo/41754 Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey - FOLOW mo @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook-Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect”





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