Joint Declaration by G7 ICT Ministers
(Action Plan on implementing the Charter)
G7 ICT Ministers’ Meeting in Takamatsu, Kagawa - 29-30 April 2016
[Preamble]
1. We, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministers of the G7,
met at Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan on 29 and 30 April 2016, to address current
and future global ICT opportunities and challenges for sustainable and inclusive
development.
2. We recall the Okinawa Charter on Global Information Society (July 2000), the G8
Declaration in Deauville (May 2011) and the Open Data Charter (June 2013) which
have contributed to global progress in expanding the digitally connected world.
3. We welcome:
- The Outcome Document of the High Level Meeting of the United Nations
General Assembly on the overall review of the implementation of the outcome
of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), including the
extension of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a
multi-stakeholder platform for discussion of Internet governance issues;
- The Internet Governance Principles of the NETmundial Multistakeholder
Statement;
- “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (hereinafter “the 2030
Agenda”) for attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and
- The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21, which refers to the importance of
innovation.
4. We also welcome Initiatives to promote the digitally connected world, including:
- “A Digital Single Market Strategy” for Europe initiated by the European Union;
- “The Global Connect Initiative” launched by the United States;
- “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” addressed by Japan;
- “The Development and Digital Technology” action plan launched by France;
- “The Digital Agenda” launched by Germany;
- “The Broadband Strategy and the Strategy for Digital Growth” launched by Italy
in the framework of the European Digital Agenda;
- “The Surrey University 5G Innovation Centre” established by the United
Kingdom; and
- Canada’s “Innovation Agenda” and the commitment to expand broadband
access.
1