Third Committee, 3rd plenary meeting – General Assembly, 79th session

CAROLYN OPPONG-NTIRI

Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri (Mrs)
Deputy Permanent Representative
October 04, 2024
 

DURING THE THIRD COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

AGENDA: ITEM 26: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chair of this Committee. Ghana stands ready to fully cooperate with you and trust that under your able leadership the Committee would successfully fulfil its mandate.

We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive reports on this agenda item and the recommendations he presented. Ghana aligns with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China and wishes to make these remarks in our national capacity.

 

Mr. Chair,

Digital technologies today serve as powerful catalysts for social and economic transformation, bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and financial services, and connecting communities across the globe. For rural and underserved areas, they offer opportunities to drive economic growth and promote social inclusion.

However, despite these advancements, approximately 2.7 billion people remain offline, with the majority residing in developing countries. Among them, women, youth, and persons with disabilities face the greatest challenges. This digital divide not only exacerbates existing inequalities but also denies millions the opportunities that digital transformation can offer. High internet access costs in low-income countries further widen this gap, making universal digital inclusion an urgent priority.

In light of this reality, Ghana would like to emphasise the following key points:

 

Firstly, global solidarity and investments must help countries to make digital technologies accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location. Efforts to expand affordable internet access and digital infrastructure must be accelerated, with particular attention to reaching rural and marginalised communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital age.

 

Secondly, regional partnerships are vital to promote digital inclusivity and infrastructure development. We welcome strategies such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) and initiatives by the ECOWAS which foster collaboration and innovation across the continent. These frameworks provide a clear roadmap for addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations and leveraging digital technologies for inclusive growth and development.

 

Thirdly, integrating digital skills training into national education systems is critical. By preparing our youth for active participation in the digital economy, we ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to take advantage of emerging opportunities, thereby securing their future.

 

Fourthly, we must harness digital technologies to strengthen social protection systems. By digitising social services, we can make them more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, thereby ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

Lastly, it is crucial to establish strong governance and accountability frameworks to safeguard human rights, prevent discrimination, and protect privacy in the use of digital technologies. Transparency and fairness should guide the use of artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies, ensuring they promote social justice. We welcome in this context the recently adopted Global Digital Compact annexed to the Pact for the Future.

 

At the national level, Ghana is making strides in digital transformation as a means of driving inclusive social development. Our Digital Ghana Agenda is advancing initiatives that enhance access to digital infrastructure, services, and skills. Through our digitalization programme, essential government services are now online, and the National Identification System (NIS) and digital property addressing system have integrated millions of previously excluded citizens into the formal economy.

 

Furthermore, the expansion of mobile money services has empowered over 17 million Ghanaians enabling financial access and inclusion for previously unbanked populations. Ghana is also investing in digital literacy programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) programme to equip our youth with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. As we navigate challenges like job displacement due to automation and artificial intelligence, Ghana remains committed to reskilling and upskilling our workforce to remain competitive.

 

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to advance social development, but only if we commit to making it accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. Ghana reaffirms its dedication to these principles, and as we approach the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025, we must seize this opportunity to ensure that digital technologies serve as true tools for empowerment, inclusion, and transformation.

 

I thank you.