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STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UN

ON BEHALF OF THE

ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

 

AT THE SECOND COMMITTEE

OF THE 76TH SESSION OF THE

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ON

AGENDA ITEM 17:

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

NEW YORK, 5 OCTOBER 2021

 

 

 

Madam Chair,

 

   I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

   2. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Guinea, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

 

Madam Chair,

 

Capacity, 4IR, and Digital Connectivity

3. In our pursuit to achieve a competitive, innovative and dynamic community, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to green technology and development as well as embracing the evolving digital technology as set out in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 which complements the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In view of the accelerated adoption of digital technologies in our economies and societies, ASEAN is developing a Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) that will be adopted during the 38^th ASEAN Summit in October 2021.

 

4. We reaffirm the crucial need for strengthening ASEAN Connectivity, and continue to pursue the full implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. We are confident that the creation of a seamlessly and comprehensively connected and integrated ASEAN, would further contribute towards sustainable development in Southeast Asia.

 

5. ASEAN strongly believes that partnerships are crucial in mobilising resources to implement MPAC 2025. Recognising this importance, we convened a Seminar on “Connecting the Connectivities: Synergy through Enhanced Partnership” earlier this year, involving stakeholders from ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners to deepen collaboration and enhance connectivity in the region. 

 

Madam Chair,

 

Covid-19 recovery and SDG

6. We remain further convinced that ICT can be an enabler, amplifier and accelerator in our recovery efforts. The ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan has identified five broad strategies for ASEAN to emerge more resilient and stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic.  One of them is the acceleration of inclusive digital transformation to boost the economy, improve society in post COVID-19 era and achieve long term resilience.

 

7. ASEAN has also undertaken several initiatives as part of our pandemic recovery efforts and in achieving the SDGs, as follows:

1. the adoption of the ASEAN Workplan on Education 2021-2025 incorporating improvement of digital connectivity and skills to support teaching and learning;

2. the development of an online portal and a smart city investment toolkit by the ASEAN Smart Cities Network;

3. the utilisation of digital technology to aid ASEAN tourism sector’s resilience;

4. the development of real-time retail payments connectivity in support of ASEAN’s digitalisation drive and enabling financial inclusion in the region; and

5. the operationalisation of the Work Plan on the Implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on E-Commerce 2021-2025.

 

Madam Chair,

 

Cyber security

8. ASEAN is cognisant of the transboundary and cross-cutting nature of cybersecurity. Hence, enhancing cybersecurity cooperation is key to ASEAN’s digitalisation initiatives, especially in view of the recent rise of global cybersecurity attacks and threats.

 

9. ASEAN is committed to work with all partners and stakeholders in the implementation of the 11 norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, with a view to foster an open, secure, stable, accessible, interoperable and peaceful ICT environment in the region

 

10. To conclude, experience from these past two years have forced us to adapt to a new normal. As we strengthen our resolve in bridging the digital divide and build back better, let us all re-commit to utilising ICT and digitalisation in a positive and effective manner, to propel us forward in attaining the 2030 Agenda.”

 

I thank you.