The Philippine delegation urged partners from the international community for digital cooperation during the Fourth Session of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation held last 30 August to 01 September 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Chief Ivan John E. Uy was elected as Chairman of said sessions.
“Our vision towards digital transformation in the Philippines will be fueled by innovative solutions coupled by strategically creating policies that advances digital services safeguarding data privacy and promoting interconnectedness and interoperability of information. But of course, everything starts with connectivity,” Uy explained.
“On top of our agenda is improving internet connection in the far-flung and the community’s digital connectivity with the rest of the Philippines and the world. These are our top priorities of the DICT,” he asserted.
Moreover, during the sixth session of the AP-IS Steering Committee Meeting held last 29 August 2022, the Philippines was elected as Vice-Chair of the AP-IS Working Group 3 (WG3) on Digital Data, with the Republic of Korea as the Chair. The working group discussed data sharing and use in cross sectoral and inter-country; integration of data, framework for data protection and trust, and digital literacy and capacity using big data.
During the discussions, the DICT asked for the continued cooperation among member states at all levels, including the ministerial level on closing the digital connectivity divide, addressing digital trust and security, and promoting an inclusive digital economy and society. This also included talks on how to strengthen capacity-building using digital technologies for sustainable development.
“The Philippine government put great emphasis on the need to convene regional policy dialogues at the highest level to drive digital transformation in the region. Countries need to leverage opportunities to digitize key sectors to achieve social inclusion. We agree with that ICT-centric ecosystem will be sustainable when everyone understands their role and collaborates with each other to create greater impact,” Uy concluded.
The events were also attended by representatives and delegates from various countries as well as members of United Nations (UN) bodies, specialized agencies and partner organizations.
