Statement by H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at the UNGA73 Plenary Meeting/Item 133: Impact of rapid technological change on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

18 հոկտեմբերի, 2018

Mr. President,

Armenia welcomes the convening of today’s meeting, as well as the briefings conducted during the informal session of the plenary earlier today. The meeting provides a good opportunity to reflect on the transformative role of new technologies which have served as a fundamental driver of change, with enhancing possibilities towards more inclusive and participatory societies. It is also the area that vividly demonstrates the most visible progress we all have achieved throughout the transitioning process from MDGs to SDGs.

We welcome prioritization of new technologies by the Secretary General and the establishment of a High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. We also welcome the Secretary General’s Strategy on New Technologies to enhance coordination and effectiveness across the work of the UN agencies.

In Armenia, we are committed to embracing new technologies to create knowledge-based platforms for accelerating the implementation of the sustainable development goals. In doing so, we rely on our human capital, by placing high priority on providing youth across the country with digital training and access to information and communications technologies as a means for empowerment and capacity building. The TUMO Center for Creative Technologies established in Armenia is an example of a creative educational program, where thousands of teenagers have the opportunity to learn about new technologies – through hands-on learning about the latest digital possibilities. Today, the TUMO is expanding beyond the region, with new TUMO centers opening in Paris, Beirut, Moscow and Tirana to allow for young students to operate the latest digital tools, learn and explore opportunities in a creative environment.

Armenia is a country with a very high rate of internet penetration (72.5%) and home to a vibrant and growing IT industry, using the potential of the tech community and the Diaspora links. New technologies, including digital technologies, are also being increasingly used to improve the efficiency of public services and the day-to-day operations of the Government. To this end, the Government of Armenia has embarked on a Digital Agenda, which aims to transform Armenia’s economy to a high-tech and innovation oriented one.

Mr President,

Last week, Armenia hosted the Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie, in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. One of the central themes of the summit, was “la Francophonie numerique” (Digital Francophonie), focused on supporting youth and women’s involvement and access to digital technologies.

The UN, through its various platforms, remains an important partner in helping promote space for new ideas and creativity, beyond the traditional mainstream development cooperation. Together with the UN Country Team, we have been setting up national platforms with a focus on the strong impact of reform and innovation in advancing smart development. The SDG Innovation Lab is the joint initiative of the Government of Armenia and the UNDP to help accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the Lab’s priorities is looking at ways to apply modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence and big data, in addressing public policy issues.

Our track record gives confidence to continue on the path of innovation, exploring further spaces for experimentation with the use of new technologies for public good. We are keen to encourage further discussions on the role of new technologies and innovation, in support of socially and environmentally impactful projects, which is particularly relevant in case of the lower-middle income countries.

We are fully committed to promoting technologies and innovation into our national and global policies, having embraced them as a priority agenda.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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