Statement by Ms. Araksya Babikyan, Attaché of the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN, at the General Discussion of the UNGA77 Second Committee

07 October, 2022

Madam Chair,

The Information and communications technologies are playing a crucial role in sustainable development by shaping new models of exchange of information, knowledge, and innovation. During the pandemic science-based innovative solutions and digital technologies have contributed in mitigating the impacts of lockdown. At the same time the pandemic exacerbated the existing digital gaps between the developing and developed countries as well as among the vulnerable groups. Armenia attaches great importance to the global solidarity and strengthening of international cooperation to ensure access to sustainable and affordable ICTs, open Internet, and promotion of digital connectivity for all to reduce inequalities, and enable the full realization of economic and social rights.

As a landlocked developing country with structural constraints the Government of Armenia prioritizes the development of high technologies and innovation. The newly adopted “Digitalization strategy of Armenia” prioritizes the data-driven and inclusive digital transformation of the public administration system and economy and creation of common standards and a digital environment, aiming to ensure high quality of public service delivery, development of broadband and telecommunication infrastructure, increase the competitiveness of the private sector, as well as the creation of digital skills workforce with a special focus on vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

The development of a strong GovTech approach is of outmost importance for Armenia and we have a long track record of government digital transformation, including the development of an e-government portal, the implementation of a digital signature, smart ID, and cybersecurity. According to the World Bank GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI), Armenia is defined as a “Country with a significant focus on GovTech” and ranks the 68th out of 193 countries.

The Secretary-General’s report on globalization and interdependence indicates that globalization must go hand in hand with increased global solidarity and cooperation on STI and ICT in responding to common challenges and pursuing the SDGs in the national context of each country. To absorb and adopt innovations and foster the human capital development the Government of Armenia has increased funding of science by 85% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Madam Chair,

It is important to unlock the potential of digital technologies to come up with innovative solutions in promoting empowerment of women, ensuring their equal and full participation in social and economic life. As a leader of the Generation Equality Forum Action Coalition for the “Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality”, Armenia is committed to the implementation of the Forum’s Global Acceleration Plan, which among other actions envisages reducing by half the gender digital divide across generations and doubling the proportion of women working in technology and innovation by 2026. Currently women constitute the 40% of workforce in IT sector in Armenia. One of the latest examples of advancing women's empowerment and at the same time protection against gender-based violence through ICT solutions is the launch of a multi-functional mobile application called “Safe ME”. This project was designed and implemented by project team composed of women with the support of UNFPA, World Bank, the Government of Armenia and other partners aiming to assist women and girls in the prevention and response to gender-based violence by enabling incident reporting through the App. in real-time and ensuring access to professional consultations, reliable information, and community support.

Madam Chair,

The ICT solutions can play a critical role in accelerating the implementation of SDGs and creating new opportunities for more resource-efficient and resilient advancement of the 2030 Agenda. Promoting inclusive and action-oriented approaches at the global and national levels on ICTs will be key to achieve the SDGs by the end of the decade.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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