Leaders TalkX: ICT application to unlock the full potential of digital – Part II

Summary

The discussion centered on the final Leaders’ Talks of the WSIS Plus 20 High-Level Event 2025, focusing on ICT applications to unlock the full potential of digital technologies. The panel featured high-level ministers and association presidents from various countries and organizations discussing digital governance, infrastructure development, and inclusive connectivity solutions.

Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister emphasized the importance of comprehensive policy frameworks, including updated ICT policies, broadband plans, and AI strategies, while stressing the need for whole-of-government approaches and international collaboration. The discussion highlighted environmental concerns regarding digital technologies, with ACEP’s president noting that digital consumption accounts for 10% of electrical consumption in France and could double by 2030, calling for eco-design solutions and extended equipment lifespans.

Gabon’s representative outlined ambitious connectivity goals, aiming for 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027, currently at 95% coverage with plans to connect 250 remaining villages using satellite technologies. India’s administrator detailed their comprehensive rural digitization strategy, connecting 640,000 villages through fiber optic networks and implementing use cases in telemedicine, digital education, e-governance, agriculture, and rural commerce to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.

The Netherlands’ Tech Ambassador stressed the importance of enabling policy environments that support free flow of information and human rights while ensuring meaningful digital inclusion for marginalized communities. Industry representatives highlighted technical innovation and collaboration as key drivers, with satellite technology identified as essential for reaching the 80% of landmass not covered by traditional infrastructure. The panel concluded that achieving universal connectivity requires coordinated efforts combining policy frameworks, infrastructure investment, and innovative applications that create meaningful value for all communities, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

Keypoints

## Major Discussion Points:

– **Digital Governance and Policy Frameworks**: Government leaders emphasized the critical need for comprehensive ICT policies, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships to unlock digital potential. Zimbabwe’s minister highlighted their AI strategy, broadband plans, and whole-of-government approach to avoid working in silos.

– **Environmental Impact of Digital Technologies**: Significant focus on the growing environmental footprint of digital infrastructure, with calls for eco-design of digital services, extended equipment lifespans, and energy-efficient AI systems. The discussion noted that digital consumption could double by 2030 and carbon emissions could triple by 2050.

– **Universal Connectivity and Digital Inclusion**: Multiple speakers addressed bridging the digital divide through various infrastructure approaches, including Gabon’s goal of 100% coverage by 2027, India’s rural connectivity initiatives serving 640,000 villages, and the essential role of satellite technology in reaching remote areas covering 80% of landmass.

– **Practical ICT Applications for Social Impact**: Concrete examples of digital transformation were shared, including telemedicine, e-governance services, digital education, precision agriculture, and e-commerce platforms that create meaningful economic opportunities for rural and underserved communities.

– **International Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing**: Emphasis on collaborative approaches, partnerships between governments and private sector, and the importance of learning from global best practices to accelerate digital development and ensure no one is left behind.

## Overall Purpose:

The discussion aimed to explore how ICT applications can unlock the full potential of digital transformation, focusing on practical strategies for governments, regulatory bodies, and international organizations to achieve inclusive and sustainable digital development as part of the WSIS Plus 20 review process.

## Overall Tone:

The discussion maintained a consistently professional, collaborative, and optimistic tone throughout. Speakers were solution-oriented and forward-looking, sharing concrete examples and achievements while acknowledging challenges. The atmosphere was respectful and inclusive, with particular attention to multilingual participation (French and English). The tone remained constructive and focused on practical implementation rather than theoretical debate, reflecting the high-level nature of the participants and their shared commitment to digital inclusion and sustainability.

Speakers

– **Participant**: Role/Title not specified, Area of expertise not specified

– **Daniella Esi Darlington**: High-Level Track Facilitator, Area of expertise: Event facilitation and moderation

– **Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera**: Her Excellency Dr., Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Zimbabwe, Area of expertise: Digital governance and ICT policy

– **Laure de La Raudiere**: President of ACEP, Area of expertise: Digital environmental impacts and sustainability

– **Celestin Kadjidja**: President of Autorité de Régulation de Communication Electronique et des Postes (ACEP), Gabon, Area of expertise: Telecommunications regulation and connectivity

– **Niraj Verma**: Administrator of Digital Barrage Needy, India, Area of expertise: Broadband infrastructure and Universal Service Obligation Fund

– **Ernst Noorman**: Tech Ambassador and Cyber Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands, Area of expertise: Digital policy and regulatory environments

– **Ran Evan Xiao Liao**: Corporate Vice President of the European and International Standardization, Ecosystem and Industry Development, Huawei, Area of expertise: ICT infrastructure development and technology innovation

– **Isabelle Mauro**: Director General (joining virtually), Area of expertise: Satellite technology and connectivity

**Additional speakers:**

None – all speakers mentioned in the transcript are included in the provided speakers names list.

# Summary: WSIS Plus 20 High-Level Event 2025 – Leaders’ Talks on ICT Applications (Part 2)

## Introduction

The second part of the Leaders’ Talks on ICT Applications at the WSIS Plus 20 High-Level Event 2025 was facilitated by Daniella Esi Darlington. The panel featured high-level representatives from Zimbabwe, France, Gabon, India, the Netherlands, and major technology companies. Daniella emphasized the 3-minute time limit for speakers and mentioned the “giant screen” to help manage timing.

## Speaker Contributions

### Zimbabwe – Comprehensive Digital Policy Framework

Her Excellency Dr. Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, emphasized the importance of establishing comprehensive policy frameworks for digital transformation. Zimbabwe has developed integrated approaches including updated ICT policies, national broadband plans, and artificial intelligence strategies to foster innovation and attract investment.

The Minister highlighted Zimbabwe’s implementation of national digitalization projects, including digital centers, ICT laboratories, and the Presidential Internet Scheme. She stressed the necessity of avoiding departmental silos and advocating for coordinated efforts across government ministries and regulatory bodies. She particularly valued international cooperation platforms like WSIS Plus 20 for benchmarking and learning from other countries, while raising the critical question of how to transition from dialogue to actual deployment and measurable deliverables.

### France – Environmental Sustainability Concerns

Laure de La Raudière, President of ACEP (Autorité de Régulation de Communication Electronique et des Postes), introduced critical environmental considerations. She presented statistics showing that digital technologies account for 10% of electrical consumption in France and could double by 2030, with carbon emissions potentially tripling by 2050.

Using a sports metaphor, de La Raudière observed that “Digital could be a very good environmental coach, but first of all, it has to stop smoking in the locker room.” She called for eco-design of digital services, extended equipment lifespans, better recycling design, less computing infrastructure, and operating systems capable of functioning effectively for over 10 years.

### Gabon – Connectivity and Digital Services

Christine Khadija, President of Gabon’s telecommunications regulatory authority ACEP, outlined ambitious connectivity goals, aiming for 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027. Currently at 95% coverage, Gabon plans to connect the remaining 250 villages using satellite technologies.

Gabon’s digital transformation strategy includes the Gabon Digital project encompassing e-tax systems, e-visa platforms, online scholarship applications, and school management systems. Khadija also announced that “starting this month, tourists are exempted from having to have a visa to come to Gabon.”

### India – Rural Digitalization and Meaningful Applications

The Administrator of Digital India detailed India’s comprehensive rural digitalization strategy, connecting 640,000 villages through high-speed fiber optic networks under the Universal Service Obligation Fund. India addresses significant connectivity gaps, with urban areas achieving 100% connectivity while rural areas remain at 60%.

The representative emphasized that “Connectivity is not equal to users. Users will come from capability, trust, and relevance… universal access matched with meaningful application will result in transformations.” India’s approach includes comprehensive service delivery through telemedicine (including the eSanjivani app), health ATMs, digital education, e-governance, agricultural applications, rural e-commerce, and the ONDC platform.

### Netherlands – Human Rights and Digital Inclusion

Ernst Noorman, Tech Ambassador and Cyber Ambassador of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided a human rights perspective on digital governance. He emphasized that enabling policy and regulatory environments must bridge digital divides while ensuring meaningful digital inclusion for all persons, particularly marginalized communities.

Noorman highlighted the principle of “nothing about them, without them,” stressing that affected communities must be central to policy-making processes. He noted that many countries still lack enabling environments for digital inclusion and called for updates to WSIS frameworks to reflect current challenges and the diversity of internet users in 2025.

### Satellite Technology Perspective

Isabelle Mauro, Director General joining virtually, provided insights into satellite technology’s role in universal connectivity. She presented the statistic that traditional mobile and fiber infrastructure covers only 20% of global landmass, leaving 80% dependent on satellite solutions. This area houses millions of people and is critical for economic growth and basic needs provision.

Mauro advocated for viewing satellite technology not merely as a backup solution but as an essential strategic pillar of government digital strategies. She emphasized that satellite technology provides instant, scalable coverage across entire territories, enabling applications such as telemedicine, remote learning, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring in underserved areas.

### Industry Perspective

Ran Evan Xiao Liao, Corporate Vice President at Huawei, highlighted how digital technologies can contribute to environmental solutions. He reported that digital power solutions have saved 8.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to 710 million metric tons of carbon emission reduction.

Huawei’s global experience includes solutions serving 50 million people globally, rural connectivity for 120 million people, and accessibility solutions for 8 million disabled and elderly users monthly. He emphasized that win-win collaboration between technology providers and real-world applications is essential for bringing digital technology to practical use.

## Key Themes

### Beyond Connectivity to Meaningful Applications

A significant theme emerged around the distinction between mere connectivity and meaningful digital transformation. Speakers consistently emphasized that connectivity alone is insufficient and that meaningful applications in healthcare, education, governance, and economic services are essential for achieving real impact.

### Infrastructure Approaches

The discussion revealed diverse approaches to achieving universal connectivity, including fiber optic networks, satellite technologies, and hybrid solutions. Countries presented different strategies based on their geographic and economic contexts.

### Environmental Considerations

The environmental impact of digital technologies emerged as an important consideration, with discussions about both the challenges of growing energy consumption and the potential for digital solutions to contribute to environmental sustainability.

### International Cooperation

Speakers emphasized the importance of international cooperation platforms, public-private partnerships, and collaborative approaches involving all stakeholders in achieving digital transformation goals.

## Conclusion

The session concluded with a photo session as mentioned by the facilitator. The discussion demonstrated various national approaches to digital transformation, highlighting the importance of comprehensive policy frameworks, diverse infrastructure solutions, meaningful applications, and international cooperation in achieving universal connectivity and digital inclusion goals.

Participant: Thanks for joining us here today in person and those joining online. I would like to welcome you to the final Leaders’ Talks of the WSIS Plus 20 High-Level Event 2025 titled ICT Application to Unlock the Full Potential of Digital. I would like to invite to the stage Ms. Daniella Esi Darlington, our High-Level Track Facilitator.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Good morning, everyone. I hope you’re all doing great. Today is the very last day and normally the saying goes, we save the best for the last. So, I invite you all to the Leaders’ Talks X13 titled ICT Application to Unlock the Full Potential of Digital Part 2. And in this session, we would have high-level ministers and presidents of various associations on the panel. We have from Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Tatenda Anastasia Mavitera, who is the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. And I can see they’ve already taken their seats. So, shall we give them a little round of applause? Thanks. Also, we would have Ms. Laure de la Rodiere, who is President of ACEP. We also have Ms. Christine Khadija, I hope I got the name right, who is also the President of Autorité de Régulation de Communication Electronique et des Postes, which is also ACEP. And then we have from India, Mr. Niraj Verma, who is Administrator of Digital Barrage Needy. And from Netherlands, we have the Tech Ambassador, Mr. Ernst Norman, who is also a Cyber Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And we also have Mr. Ran Ivan Liao, who is Corporate Vice President of the European and International Standardization, Ecosystem and Industry Development, Huawei. And last but not least, Ms. Isabelle Moreau, who is Director General, who will be joining us virtually. So thank you all so much, and we will begin our session. Once again, welcome to the latest Talk X13, titled ICT to Unlock the Full Potential of Digital. We would first go straight to Her Excellency, Tatenda, who I would like to pose a key question to. How can governments through digital governance help ICT applications to unlock the full potential of digital?

Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera: Thank you very much. Thank you, Daniela. Thank you, ITU, for giving us this great opportunity. Governments can leverage our digital governance to unlock our full potential by various ways. I’ll start by, firstly, our policy frameworks. Definitely, we can never be able to do well when we do not have the requisite and right policies to be put in place. So we need to create and establish frameworks that support ICT regulatory frameworks, innovation, investment, and also the adoption of new technologies. At Zimbabwe, we’ve tried very well to work on that. Firstly, we have worked on our ICT policy, which we have reviewed recently, and our broadband plan, and of course, our AI strategy, which has already concluded and is going through all the cabinet processes. Secondly, we also need to look at how a government can also look at various partnerships, and these partnerships need to support development and also deployment of ICT infrastructure, and also look at ways that we can be able to promote innovation and investment. At Zimbabwe, we have realized that it’s important that we come up with an ICT policy, and we realize that there is need for us to create incentives around how we can have more investment in ICT. And again, we can look at us also looking at effective governance frameworks and interventions that government can also be able to look at us working with the whole of government approach, and not work in silos. It’s important that we collaborate. We need to look at partnerships that are quite essential for us as a government, and looking at how we can make regulators also key to make sure that they coordinate with all the key government departments that we have. For us at Zimbabwe, we have looked at energy, transport, local government, making sure that the regulators also coordinate this. And also, I think government also needs to take part in the national cooperation and knowledge sharing. We are happy for these platforms. Today, we’re talking about WSIS Plus 20, and where we’re getting a lot of interaction. Let’s then move from dialogue and look at deployment. Let’s look at deliverables that we can be able to also deploy. It’s important that we need to allow benchmarking in terms of our own governance approaches, and also have agility to being responsive to ICT requirements, and this definitely needs to be done. We really want to appreciate these platforms. Let’s learn from others. Let’s be able to also collaborate and have more international engagements. This can really assist us greatly. But of course, let me also close and say that the approach to governance will help further our national projects and programs in each and every country. And Zimbabwe, as the extension of the national backbone, we’ve been able to do that. We’ve been able to also construct digital centers, ICT laboratories, the Presidential Internet Scheme, which are also essential for us to be able to achieve a digitalized country. I thank you.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you so much, Excellency Maviterra, and I would like to commend you for sticking to time. I would admonish all the speakers to bear in mind that you have three minutes to respond to your question, and so please try to stay in time. We have the giant screen. I hope it’s not as intimidating. Thank you so much. And I would like to go to Ms. Laura Delarodier, who is the president of ASEP. Yes, thank you. I would like to ask you, according to your assessment of the digital environmental impacts, do you think that WSIS Action Line on e-environment should evolve to better enhance the digital sustainability?

Laure de La Raudiere: Thank you very much. I’m really honored to speak this morning on this subject, but because French is an official language in the ITU and in WSIS, I would ask you to take your headset because I will speak in French. French is very important in the AI era. We have to protect our language, to protect our culture in the AI era, so please, I’ll speak in French. First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the initiative from WSIS to take that action line on the environmental impact. That’s very important. We’re all aware of what digital technologies can contribute in order to bring solutions to the climate or with sensors on water networks to prevent leakages or better data analysis to prevent disasters, to save human lives in the agriculture area. However, the digital has a very big environmental impact, and it is a growing one. In this action line, we need to think about the efforts that digital is already 10% of electrical consumption in France. It might double by 2030. Carbon emissions might triple by 2050, and therefore, we are calling upon your attention because we need digital to make some efforts in terms of environmental protection. I’d like to use a sports metaphor. Digital could be a very good environmental coach, but first of all, it has to stop smoking in the locker room, you know, and that’s what’s happening. Digital technologies have a greater environmental impact. We need to extend the lifespan of terminals and equipments with a better recycle and extending the capacity to use operating systems over 10 years. Number two, eco-design of digital services. We can design performance IA systems that will use less energy, would require less computing power with new data centers that should be built. So, I am calling international organizations, I’m asking them to take into account the fact that the environmental impact of digital technologies should be under control. and should lead to actions in order to eco-design the solutions.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you very much, Ms. Raudière. It’s very important to note that we have to have a better recycle design, especially for digital technologies. And in this AI sector, where there’s a lot of consumption of AI tools, it’s important that we design less computing infrastructure so that we are able to sustain our environment. So these are very, very important. Thank you so much for noting, bringing this up. I would move on to Mr. Kadjidja, who is also the president of ASEP. Oh, Gabon. Yeah. So the question is, during your statement, you indicated that by 2027, Gabon, your country, aims to achieve 100% coverage of inhabited areas. Could you elaborate on how you intend to reach this goal? And what is the current state of connectivity in your country? And in your view, and in the context of your country, which ICT applications hold the greatest potential to unlock the power of digital technologies?

Celestin Kadjidja: Thank you, Madam. As a French-speaking, I will tell people to take a microphone, because I will speak in French. Merci. Merci pour la question. Thank you for the question. The coverage rate in Gabon is 95%. The Gabonese territory is covered up to 95%. All main cities in Gabon are alongside roads, and therefore they have 3G and 4G. We have started to experiment 5G. It will be available in a short time. The specificity in Gabon is that main villages are alongside the roads, and those main road access should be covered since 2017. There are still villages that are disseminated in the country. You know, Gabon is an equatorial country with 95% of forests, and it is in the framework of the universal service development that we are using the satellite transmission technologies, and we are using current operators to extend their networks all the way to those remote areas. So we believe that out of the 250 remaining villages that are not connected, we will be able to connect them by 2027. As far as digital is concerned, we are working on three aspects, digitalization of public services. We do have a project which is entitled Gabon Digital. The point is to value services like e-tax, you know, to declare your taxes online, e-sol, this is to consult information for state employees, e-visa, visa, that’s for people who want to ask for their visa online. And I want to tell you that starting this month, tourists are exempted from having to have a visa to come to Gabon. We also have online platforms for school management. We have an official platform to publish the exams results. Also, e-scholar for students that are not in Gabon, if they want to ask for a scholarship, they can do it online. So that’s the Gabonese strategy to develop the digital. Thank you.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you so much. Thank you very much for your submissions. It’s very inspiring to know that you are having a great agenda in place to connect over 250 villages. And I’m very excited to also learn about the e-visa and also the visa-free opportunities for tourists, as well as the scholarships that you are providing to young people through digital technologies. These are really commendable. And also, thank you so much for the submission. I would go on to Mr. Niraj. And my question to you is, how can the broadband infrastructure develop under the Universal Service Obligation Fund, USOF, be effectively utilized to create sustainable digital services and economic opportunities for local communities, especially in rural and remote areas? And what use cases have you prioritized or can be prioritized to ensure maximum social and economic benefits?

Niraj Verma: Thank you. So in India, we look at connectivity as a great enabler. And we are connecting some 6.4 lakh villages through high-speed OFC network. But as you have said, connectivity is not equal to users. Users will come from capability, trust, and relevance. And it is in this regard we are transforming our connectivity to impact through multilayered digital outcomes. This is in the form of various use cases we are developing for the rural mass. And I must tell you that when we are talking about India, there is a digital gap between urban and rural. Whereas in urban, the internet connectivity is almost 100%. In rural, it is only 60%. And gender gap is also there. So in that context, if you look at the various use cases, the first thing we are doing is in the field of telemedicine. We are connecting all the hospitals through OFC network. And we are providing services, telemedicines, through a government app called eSanjivani. We are connecting health ATMs and providing services through health ATMs. The second use case we are working on is digital education and scaling. So all the schools we are connecting with high speed, converting these schools into smarter schools. And the content, which is a multilingual application content we are providing, we are tracking the performance of teachers, students and the schools. And we are looking at the outcome. The third is in the field of e-governance. So at the ground level, the governance, last governance is at the panchayat level, which is the lead village. And at that center, we are providing various applications like birth center, birth certificate, death certificates, pensions and other foods. And with that as a focal center, through the connections provided at the households, we expect and we are getting some good impact of citizens using these applications. Fourth is in the field of agriculture. As in India, a large percentage of population is engaged in agriculture. This, they are getting soil health cards, they are using drones, IOT applications, which is helping them in getting benefits. And lastly, in rural commerce and e-commerce, we are working on, in which we are connecting the artisans and we are getting them onboarded on the applications like ONDC, like Amazon, and getting the connections transactions done through digital applications. So these all are helping in getting connections and we are thinking that universal access matched with meaningful application will result in transformations.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you very much, Mr. Nima. Indeed, universal access is very important and it’s great to know the various initiatives that you are taking to connect schools and also empower farmers with digital technologies. Thank you very much for that. I would move on to Mr. Ernest Norman. And my question for you is, the original WSIS framework puts an emphasis on enabling policy and regulatory environments to achieve inclusive digital transformation. What measures are, in your view, necessary to ensure that this enabling environment is up to the task of tackling the current challenges of digital inclusion in the WSIS Plus 20 review process?

Ernst Noorman: Thank you, Daniela, for that question. Indeed, to effectively reap the economic and societal benefits from the internet and digital technologies, it’s essential to have an enabling policy and regulatory environment. Already in 2003 and 2005, when original WSIS documents were adopted, participants acknowledged the importance of such an enabling environment. But what do we mean with an enabling environment? In our view, this should be a mix of policies, regulations, and standards that contribute to bridging the digital divides, ensuring meaningful digital inclusion among all persons, including women, youth… All the Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Marginalized Communities. Ideally, an enabling environment means that policies are conducive to the digital economy, innovation, competition, education, research, and investment. A key feature of an enabling environment, also recognized in the WSIS Plus 10 review, is the free flow of information and knowledge. To enable sustainable development, to allow us to benefit optimally from access to the Internet, and to empower individuals to exercise their universally applicable human rights, such as the freedom of expression. Unfortunately, in 2025, in many countries around the world, the enabling environment is largely absent. Some are angry with the fact that technology allowed small and medium-sized projects to actually be implemented. Many local governments simplified driving laws to support protected communities, allowing foreign companies to take control of Europe’s oil deposits, or allowing regardless of individual scoring of approval. Those with access to the internet benefit from AI, those without access lag even further behind. This underlines the continuing importance of updating the WSIS tags on the enabling environment to reflect the diversity of internet users and the current challenges, locally and globally. The principle of nothing about them, without them, remains key here. In fact, the enabling environment is a primary example where two pillars of the UN, human rights and sustainable development, come together. When governments and other stakeholders collaborate in creating and supporting such an enabling environment, it can further both the protection of human rights and the attainment of sustainable development goals. Thank you very much.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you very much. I really love your statement that says nothing about them, without them. Indeed, if we want to create inclusive frameworks, we have to ensure that everyone is empowered to use the internet and have access for various tools, and also ensure free flow of information to empower people to contribute to the sustainable development goals. Thank you very much once again for your submissions. Mr. Yvanniao, in the pursuit of socio-economic progress, how can we accelerate the ICT infrastructure development to leverage technology as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth?

Ran Evan Xiao Liao: Thank you. I’m lucky here to answer the interesting and important question. As we all know, when we talk about digital technology, the most challenging is how to bring digital technology to the real world. So we think, especially during this new year, for AI, and not only traditional ICT technology, we think the most important two things we can do. One is still technical innovation. Another thing we think is more important is collaboration, especially win-win collaboration, because in a lot of scenarios, the real world needs the technology, but they don’t know how to use this technology. Here I give some numbers, maybe some use cases. Because for digital technology, for inclusivity, we think the most important thing is to leave no one behind in the digital world, but it’s not so easy. For some scenarios, such as for the rural, we have a rural-style solution. It serves 120 million people now around eight countries. And for the skilled people in need, we also worked together with our partner to serve 5,010 million people. And we focus on K-12 teachers, students, and so on. For the disability and the elder, now we think it’s already eight million people every month use ICT technology now. And for sustainability, we think the most hot topic is what’s digital ICT for green. We think it’s so important. And for digital power, I also have some numbers. We have used a digital power solution. We already save 8.1 billion kilowatt electricity. It’s also equal to 710 million metric tons. So I think this is a carbon emission reduction. For a lot of cases, we are still working with our partner. That’s technical and not enough cooperation. We look forward. Thank you.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you very much. We will move on to Miss Isabel Morrow. She will be joining us virtually. I see you on the screen. My question to you, Miss Morrow, is as we look to expand digital access and opportunity, what role do you see satellite technology playing in ensuring that no community is left behind and everyone benefits from connectivity fully? Thank you.

Isabelle Mauro: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. As we know, connectivity is really a foundational enabler of opportunity, equality, of resilience. And if our goal is truly universal connectivity, then we really must think beyond cities and population centers, as we just heard from many of the speakers this morning. We must reach communities and regions that are remote, that are unserved or underserved, or simply out of reach from the traditional infrastructure. As we look to expand digital access and digital opportunities, it’s really critical that we, in a way, recognize the unique and essential role that satellite technology plays in ensuring that no one and also no place is left behind. If you look at mobile and fiber networks, they’ve made remarkable progress. They are by design, however, limited to areas with high population and density, and they only cover 20% of the landmass. So for the remaining 80% of landmass, which is home to millions of people and critical not only for economic growth, but also to provide basic needs, satellite technology is really key. And it’s the only infrastructure that is capable of delivering instant, scalable coverage across entire territories, whether it’s mountains, deserts, small island states, oceans, or disaster zones. So it’s not just about inclusion. It’s also about unlocking untapped economic and human potential and doing it in a sustainable manner, as we heard from Ms. Laure de La Raudière. But connectivity in itself is not enough. What truly matters is what people do with the connectivity. So satellite also enables meaningful use, whether it’s telemedicine in rural clinics, remote learning in isolated schools, precision agriculture for IoT, sustainable fisheries management, or real-time environmental monitoring and disaster prevention. So these applications really generate real value and help increase inclusion, ensuring that rural and remote communities can fully participate in the digital economy and the national development goals. And ultimately, I just want to say as well about policies, because we heard about this, if we want to fully realize the potential of digital communications, we really need to enable policies that are agile, that are future-looking. We need smart investment, and we need a shift in mindset where we view satellite not just as a backup solution, but really as an essential strategic pillar of government digital strategies and programs. And I hope we can all work together, governments, industry, international organizations, to make sure that the digital opportunity is not only a vision, but it’s truly universal and meaningful and a reality for all. So thank you.

Daniella Esi Darlington: Thank you very much, Ms. Morel, for your key insights. Indeed, satellite technologies have the potential to bridge the digital divide, especially for these remote regions that are underserved. And so it’s important that we consider policies that are fair enough to ensure that we leave no one behind. So thank you all so much. All too soon, we have come to the end of this exciting and insightful panel discussion. So I’d like to thank you all, your excellencies and presidents of various groups. Thank you so much for joining us, and we bring this session to an end. We’ll take a photo briefly.

Agreement points

Universal connectivity and digital inclusion are essential priorities

Speakers

– Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera
– Ernst Noorman
– Isabelle Mauro
– Niraj Verma
– Celestin Kadjidja
– Daniella Esi Darlington

Arguments

Governments need comprehensive policy frameworks including ICT policies, broadband plans, and AI strategies to support innovation and investment

Enabling policy and regulatory environments must bridge digital divides and ensure meaningful digital inclusion for all persons including marginalized communities

Satellite technology is essential for reaching the 80% of landmass not covered by traditional infrastructure, providing instant scalable coverage across entire territories

India is connecting 640,000 villages through high-speed fiber optic networks under Universal Service Obligation Fund

Gabon aims to achieve 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027, currently at 95% coverage with plans to connect 250 remaining villages using satellite technology

Inclusive frameworks require empowering everyone with internet access and ensuring free flow of information for sustainable development

Summary

All speakers emphasized the critical importance of achieving universal connectivity and ensuring no one is left behind in digital transformation, with each presenting their country’s or organization’s approach to bridging digital divides

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Human rights

Meaningful applications and services are crucial for digital transformation

Speakers

– Niraj Verma
– Isabelle Mauro
– Celestin Kadjidja
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao

Arguments

India prioritizes telemedicine, digital education, e-governance, agriculture applications, and rural e-commerce to transform connectivity into meaningful impact

Satellite technology enables meaningful use through telemedicine, remote learning, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring in underserved areas

Gabon has developed digital public services including e-tax, e-visa, online scholarship platforms, and school management systems under the Gabon Digital project

Huawei’s solutions serve millions globally including rural connectivity for 120 million people and accessibility solutions for 8 million disabled and elderly users monthly

Summary

Speakers agreed that connectivity alone is insufficient and emphasized the need for meaningful applications in healthcare, education, governance, and economic services to achieve real digital transformation impact

Topics

Development | Sociocultural | Economic

Environmental sustainability must be considered in digital development

Speakers

– Laure de La Raudiere
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao
– Daniella Esi Darlington

Arguments

Digital technologies consume 10% of electrical consumption in France and may double by 2030, requiring eco-design of digital services and extended equipment lifespans

Digital power solutions have saved 8.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to 710 million metric tons of carbon emission reduction

Better recycling design and less computing infrastructure are essential for environmental sustainability in the AI sector

Summary

Speakers acknowledged the growing environmental impact of digital technologies while also recognizing their potential for environmental solutions, emphasizing the need for sustainable digital development practices

Topics

Development | Infrastructure

Collaboration and partnerships are essential for successful digital transformation

Speakers

– Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao
– Isabelle Mauro
– Participant

Arguments

Government coordination across departments and with regulators is essential, avoiding working in silos through whole-of-government approaches

Win-win collaboration between technology providers and real-world applications is crucial for bringing digital technology to practical use

Smart investment and agile, future-looking policies are needed that view satellite as an essential strategic pillar of government digital strategies

WSIS Plus 20 High-Level Events serve as important platforms for discussing ICT applications to unlock digital potential

Summary

All speakers emphasized that successful digital transformation requires collaborative approaches involving government coordination, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation platforms

Topics

Development | Legal and regulatory | Sociocultural

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the critical role of government policy frameworks in enabling digital transformation, with focus on comprehensive approaches that ensure inclusive development

Speakers

– Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera
– Ernst Noorman

Arguments

Governments need comprehensive policy frameworks including ICT policies, broadband plans, and AI strategies to support innovation and investment

Enabling policy and regulatory environments must bridge digital divides and ensure meaningful digital inclusion for all persons including marginalized communities

Topics

Development | Legal and regulatory | Human rights

Both speakers presented comprehensive national digital service strategies focusing on e-governance, education, and citizen services as key applications for digital transformation

Speakers

– Niraj Verma
– Celestin Kadjidja

Arguments

India prioritizes telemedicine, digital education, e-governance, agriculture applications, and rural e-commerce to transform connectivity into meaningful impact

Gabon has developed digital public services including e-tax, e-visa, online scholarship platforms, and school management systems under the Gabon Digital project

Topics

Development | Sociocultural | Economic

Both speakers highlighted satellite technology as a crucial solution for reaching remote and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Celestin Kadjidja

Arguments

Satellite technology is essential for reaching the 80% of landmass not covered by traditional infrastructure, providing instant scalable coverage across entire territories

Gabon aims to achieve 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027, currently at 95% coverage with plans to connect 250 remaining villages using satellite technology

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Unexpected consensus

Environmental impact of digital technologies

Speakers

– Laure de La Raudiere
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao
– Daniella Esi Darlington

Arguments

Digital technologies consume 10% of electrical consumption in France and may double by 2030, requiring eco-design of digital services and extended equipment lifespans

Digital power solutions have saved 8.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to 710 million metric tons of carbon emission reduction

Better recycling design and less computing infrastructure are essential for environmental sustainability in the AI sector

Explanation

It was unexpected to see such strong consensus on environmental sustainability concerns in a discussion primarily focused on digital inclusion and connectivity. The speakers from different sectors (regulatory, industry, and moderation) all acknowledged both the environmental challenges and opportunities of digital technologies, suggesting this has become a mainstream concern in digital policy discussions

Topics

Development | Infrastructure

Importance of meaningful applications over mere connectivity

Speakers

– Niraj Verma
– Isabelle Mauro
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao

Arguments

Universal access matched with meaningful applications results in digital transformation, addressing gaps between urban (100%) and rural (60%) connectivity in India

Satellite technology enables meaningful use through telemedicine, remote learning, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring in underserved areas

Win-win collaboration between technology providers and real-world applications is crucial for bringing digital technology to practical use

Explanation

The consensus across government, satellite industry, and technology company representatives that connectivity alone is insufficient was unexpected. All emphasized that meaningful applications and real-world use cases are what truly drive digital transformation, showing a mature understanding that infrastructure deployment must be coupled with relevant services

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Sociocultural

Overall assessment

Summary

The speakers demonstrated remarkable consensus on key digital development priorities including universal connectivity, meaningful applications, environmental sustainability, and collaborative approaches. There was strong agreement on the need for comprehensive policy frameworks, the importance of reaching underserved populations, and the recognition that connectivity must be paired with relevant services to achieve meaningful digital transformation.

Consensus level

High level of consensus with complementary rather than conflicting viewpoints. The implications are positive for global digital development as it suggests aligned priorities among different stakeholders (governments, industry, regulators, and international organizations). This consensus provides a strong foundation for coordinated action on digital inclusion, sustainable development, and meaningful connectivity initiatives. The shared understanding of challenges and solutions indicates potential for effective collaboration in implementing WSIS Plus 20 objectives.

Different viewpoints

Approach to environmental sustainability in digital technologies

Speakers

– Laure de La Raudiere
– Ran Evan Xiao Liao

Arguments

Digital technologies consume 10% of electrical consumption in France and may double by 2030, requiring eco-design of digital services and extended equipment lifespans

Digital power solutions have saved 8.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to 710 million metric tons of carbon emission reduction

Summary

Laure de La Raudiere emphasizes the growing environmental burden of digital technologies and calls for restraint and eco-design, while Ran Evan Xiao Liao focuses on how digital technologies can contribute to environmental solutions through energy savings

Topics

Development | Infrastructure

Priority focus for digital inclusion strategies

Speakers

– Niraj Verma
– Isabelle Mauro

Arguments

India prioritizes telemedicine, digital education, e-governance, agriculture applications, and rural e-commerce to transform connectivity into meaningful impact

Satellite technology enables meaningful use through telemedicine, remote learning, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring in underserved areas

Summary

While both focus on rural connectivity, Niraj Verma emphasizes fiber optic infrastructure and comprehensive service delivery, while Isabelle Mauro advocates for satellite technology as the primary solution for remote areas

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Sociocultural

Unexpected differences

Language policy in international digital forums

Speakers

– Laure de La Raudiere
– Other speakers

Arguments

Digital technologies consume 10% of electrical consumption in France and may double by 2030, requiring eco-design of digital services and extended equipment lifespans

Explanation

Laure de La Raudiere made a point about protecting French language and culture in the AI era, insisting on speaking French in the international forum, which was unexpected in a technical discussion about digital sustainability and represents a cultural-linguistic dimension not addressed by other speakers

Topics

Sociocultural | Development

Overall assessment

Summary

The discussion showed remarkably high consensus among speakers on fundamental goals of digital inclusion, universal connectivity, and sustainable development through ICT

Disagreement level

Low to moderate disagreement level. Most disagreements were tactical rather than strategic, focusing on different approaches to achieve shared goals. The main areas of disagreement were around environmental sustainability approaches and technological solutions for connectivity. This suggests a mature policy dialogue where stakeholders agree on objectives but may have different implementation strategies based on their national contexts and organizational perspectives.

Partial agreements

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the critical role of government policy frameworks in enabling digital transformation, with focus on comprehensive approaches that ensure inclusive development

Speakers

– Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera
– Ernst Noorman

Arguments

Governments need comprehensive policy frameworks including ICT policies, broadband plans, and AI strategies to support innovation and investment

Enabling policy and regulatory environments must bridge digital divides and ensure meaningful digital inclusion for all persons including marginalized communities

Topics

Development | Legal and regulatory | Human rights

Both speakers presented comprehensive national digital service strategies focusing on e-governance, education, and citizen services as key applications for digital transformation

Speakers

– Niraj Verma
– Celestin Kadjidja

Arguments

India prioritizes telemedicine, digital education, e-governance, agriculture applications, and rural e-commerce to transform connectivity into meaningful impact

Gabon has developed digital public services including e-tax, e-visa, online scholarship platforms, and school management systems under the Gabon Digital project

Topics

Development | Sociocultural | Economic

Both speakers highlighted satellite technology as a crucial solution for reaching remote and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Celestin Kadjidja

Arguments

Satellite technology is essential for reaching the 80% of landmass not covered by traditional infrastructure, providing instant scalable coverage across entire territories

Gabon aims to achieve 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027, currently at 95% coverage with plans to connect 250 remaining villages using satellite technology

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Key takeaways

Governments must establish comprehensive policy frameworks including ICT policies, broadband plans, and AI strategies to unlock digital potential through innovation and investment

Infrastructure development requires multi-faceted approaches – fiber optic networks for populated areas and satellite technology for remote regions covering 80% of landmass not served by traditional infrastructure

Digital transformation success depends on meaningful applications rather than just connectivity – telemedicine, e-governance, digital education, and agricultural applications create real impact

Environmental sustainability is critical as digital technologies consume significant energy (10% in France, potentially doubling by 2030), requiring eco-design and extended equipment lifespans

Collaboration across government departments, international partnerships, and public-private cooperation is essential to avoid working in silos and achieve inclusive digital transformation

Digital inclusion must address gaps between urban and rural connectivity while ensuring free flow of information and meaningful access for marginalized communities including women, youth, and persons with disabilities

Resolutions and action items

Zimbabwe to continue implementing national digitalization projects including digital centers, ICT laboratories, and Presidential Internet Scheme

Gabon to achieve 100% coverage of inhabited areas by 2027 by connecting remaining 250 villages using satellite technology

India to continue connecting 640,000 villages through high-speed fiber optic networks under Universal Service Obligation Fund

Need to update WSIS action lines on enabling environment to reflect current challenges and diversity of internet users

Governments and stakeholders should collaborate to create enabling policy environments that support both human rights protection and sustainable development goals

Unresolved issues

How to effectively measure and ensure ‘meaningful connectivity’ beyond basic access metrics

Specific mechanisms for coordinating whole-of-government approaches across different ministries and departments

Detailed strategies for addressing the growing environmental impact of digital technologies while maintaining expansion goals

Concrete methods for bridging the digital gender gap and ensuring equal access for marginalized communities

Standardized approaches for evaluating the success of digital transformation initiatives across different countries

Suggested compromises

Viewing satellite technology not just as backup but as essential strategic infrastructure alongside traditional networks

Balancing rapid digital expansion with environmental sustainability through eco-design and energy-efficient solutions

Combining government policy frameworks with private sector innovation through public-private partnerships

Integrating both urban-focused and rural-focused connectivity strategies rather than treating them as separate initiatives

Digital could be a very good environmental coach, but first of all, it has to stop smoking in the locker room… Digital technologies have a greater environmental impact. We need to extend the lifespan of terminals and equipments with a better recycle and extending the capacity to use operating systems over 10 years.

Speaker

Laure de La Raudière

Reason

This sports metaphor brilliantly captures the paradox of digital technology – while it can help solve environmental problems, it simultaneously creates significant environmental damage. The comment challenges the common narrative that digital is inherently green by highlighting that digital consumption is 10% of electrical consumption in France and could double by 2030. This reframes the entire discussion from purely celebrating digital potential to acknowledging its environmental costs.

Impact

This comment introduced a critical counterbalance to the otherwise optimistic tone about digital transformation. It shifted the conversation from focusing solely on digital benefits to considering sustainability and environmental responsibility. The moderator immediately picked up on this theme, emphasizing the importance of ‘less computing infrastructure’ and sustainable design, showing how this insight influenced the subsequent discussion framework.

Connectivity is not equal to users. Users will come from capability, trust, and relevance… universal access matched with meaningful application will result in transformations.

Speaker

Niraj Verma

Reason

This comment challenges the common assumption that simply providing internet access solves digital inclusion. It introduces a more nuanced understanding that distinguishes between physical connectivity and actual meaningful usage, identifying three critical factors (capability, trust, relevance) that determine whether connectivity translates to real impact.

Impact

This insight elevated the discussion from basic infrastructure provision to a more sophisticated analysis of digital inclusion. It influenced how subsequent speakers framed their responses, with later speakers like Isabelle Mauro echoing this theme by stating ‘connectivity in itself is not enough. What truly matters is what people do with the connectivity.’ This comment fundamentally shifted the conversation toward outcome-based thinking rather than input-based metrics.

The principle of nothing about them, without them, remains key here… When governments and other stakeholders collaborate in creating and supporting such an enabling environment, it can further both the protection of human rights and the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Speaker

Ernst Noorman

Reason

This comment introduces a human rights-based approach to digital policy, emphasizing participatory governance and connecting digital inclusion directly to fundamental human rights. It challenges top-down approaches to digital transformation by insisting that affected communities must be central to policy-making processes.

Impact

This comment broadened the discussion beyond technical and economic considerations to include human rights and participatory governance principles. The moderator specifically highlighted this principle, showing its resonance. It helped frame digital inclusion not just as a development goal but as a human rights imperative, adding moral weight to the technical discussions.

For the remaining 80% of landmass, which is home to millions of people and critical not only for economic growth, but also to provide basic needs, satellite technology is really key… we need a shift in mindset where we view satellite not just as a backup solution, but really as an essential strategic pillar of government digital strategies.

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Reason

This comment challenges the conventional hierarchy that treats satellite technology as secondary to terrestrial infrastructure. By providing the stark statistic that mobile and fiber only cover 20% of landmass, it reframes satellite technology from a niche solution to a primary infrastructure necessity for achieving universal connectivity.

Impact

This comment provided a strategic reframing that influenced how the panel concluded. It moved the discussion from viewing different technologies as competing solutions to seeing them as complementary, with satellite playing an essential rather than supplementary role. This insight helped synthesize earlier discussions about rural connectivity challenges raised by speakers from Zimbabwe and Gabon.

Overall assessment

These key comments fundamentally shaped the discussion by introducing critical complexity to what could have been a straightforward celebration of digital transformation. They moved the conversation through several important shifts: from simple connectivity metrics to meaningful usage outcomes, from purely technical solutions to human rights considerations, from environmental optimism to sustainability accountability, and from hierarchical technology approaches to integrated strategic thinking. Together, these insights created a more nuanced, realistic, and comprehensive framework for understanding digital transformation challenges. The discussion evolved from individual country experiences to universal principles, with each thought-provoking comment building on previous insights to create a more sophisticated collective understanding of what it truly means to ‘unlock the full potential of digital.’

How to move from dialogue to deployment and deliverables in international cooperation platforms like WSIS

Speaker

Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera

Explanation

The Minister emphasized the need to transition from discussions to actual implementation and measurable outcomes in digital governance initiatives

How to design AI systems that require less computing power and energy consumption

Speaker

Laure de La Raudière

Explanation

She highlighted the need for eco-design of digital services and performance AI systems that use less energy, as digital technologies currently consume 10% of electrical consumption in France and may double by 2030

How to extend the lifespan of terminals and equipment with better recycling and operating systems that work over 10 years

Speaker

Laure de La Raudière

Explanation

This is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of digital technologies and achieving better sustainability in the digital sector

How to bridge the digital gap between urban (100% connectivity) and rural (60% connectivity) areas, including addressing gender gaps

Speaker

Niraj Verma

Explanation

This represents a significant challenge in achieving universal digital inclusion, particularly in large countries like India

How to ensure meaningful application usage matches universal access to achieve digital transformation

Speaker

Niraj Verma

Explanation

He emphasized that connectivity alone is not enough – it must be combined with capability, trust, and relevance to create real impact

How to update WSIS frameworks to reflect current challenges and diversity of internet users in 2025

Speaker

Ernst Noorman

Explanation

Many countries still lack enabling environments for digital inclusion, and the frameworks need updating to address current global and local challenges

How to bring digital technology, especially AI, to real-world applications effectively

Speaker

Ran Evan Xiao Liao

Explanation

He identified this as the most challenging aspect of digital technology implementation, requiring both technical innovation and collaboration

How to develop agile, future-looking policies that view satellite technology as a strategic pillar rather than just a backup solution

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Explanation

This policy shift is essential for realizing the full potential of satellite technology in achieving universal connectivity, especially for the 80% of landmass not covered by traditional infrastructure