Mr. Chair,
First and foremost, allow me, on behalf of the Algerian delegation
to congratulate you on your election to conduct the work of this
timely Open-Ended Working Group, wishing you every success on
this endeavor and assuring you of Algeria's full support and
cooperation.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered, earlier,
by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Allgned Movement.
Mr. Chair,
As we all admit, the world is, literally, witnessing the most
important technological revolution never seen before. A clear and
realistic shift is occurring in the socio-technological paradigm
which is revolutionizing our future.
There is no doubt that ICTs offer increased potential for
advancing progress towards economic and social development
objectives. The worldwide spread of mobile telephony and
communication systems, the growth of Internet networks and
widespread use of a broadband infrastructure have a huge impact
on international production and trade patterns. Likewise, ICTs are
leading the way for the enhancement of several innovative
industries as digital economy, artificial intelligence, the internet of
things, smart cities and so many other products.
Nevertheless, benefits from new ICTs cannot be taken for
granted. It is the case since ICTs pose, a deep and enduring
danger if we look at the repeated threats emanating from the use
of digital technologies that span a wide spectrum, including the
manipulation of information with malicious intent and cyber
attacks on critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and electrical
grids, which can result In human casualties.