Somalia

Excellencies, ministers, delegates and ITU leadership and staff, 

Good afternoon. 

I am honored to be here among you today. 

I would like to recognize the Romanian government for the warm welcome and hospitality they gave us. We commend the decision to bring the Plenipotentiary Conference to this beautiful city of Bucharest. 

Somalia is not running for a seat this term. However, we are confident that we will be well-represented by the other members this term.  

Let me also remind our friends today that Somalia welcomes any honorary seats or titles within the organization. 

To succeed in digital transformation and connectivity for all, the ITU should adopt a support safety net for developing nations. 

 With that, I would like to bring your attention to resolution number 160 adopted during the 2018 conference in Dubai to support Somalia, which we would like to see implemented. 

Somalia’s strategic location presents a great opportunity for the realization of its own digital agenda to connect the unconnected. 

The government has implemented a digital transformation strategy that prioritizes:  

• Implementing an e-Government policy and strategy to improve good governance and service delivery Ensuring inclusive and affordable digital access 
• Developing digital skills and literacy  
• Establishing legal frameworks such as the laws, policies, and regulations  
• Developing the digital economy with first-mile connectivity (international submarine cable hubs) and middle-mile connectivity (our national backbone), and  
• The establishment of a national data center and relevant data protection and cybersecurity capabilities 

In conclusion, we fully support the Bucharest Declaration to build a better digital future for all. We urge the others to do the same. 

Once again, Somalia is open for a digitally-friendly business. 

Thank you for your attention.