 President Emanuel Mori attended the ITU Connect Asia-Pacific Heads of States SummitBangkok, Thailand (FSM Information Services): November 22, 2013 - In the morning of November 18, 2013, in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, the Opening Ceremony for the Connect Asia-Pacific Heads of States Summit was convened under the auspices of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). This Summit addressed the increasing role that Information Communication and Technology (ICT) has in the economic and social development of the ITU member states in the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations addressed the Summit by live video. The keynote address was delivered by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra. In attendance were several Heads of States and Governments including the President of Nauru, Prime Ministers of New Zealand, Pakistan, Kingdom of Tonga, and the Republic of Vanuatu. In his statement, President Mori acknowledged both the importance and challenges of putting in place the necessary ICT infrastructure in Small Island Developing States. He emphasized the need for ITU and the regional and international institutions including donor countries to continue their generous contributions to countries such as the Federated States of Micronesia for the development of ICT programs. Unless such assistance is provided, Small Island Developing States can only marvel at the advancement of ICT which the developed countries are currently enjoying. President Mori concluded his statement by assuring ITU that the FSM will continue to explore ways to improve its telecommunication services to its people. Accompanying President Mori to this Summit were Secretary Francis Itimai and Mr. Jolden Johnnyboy from DTC&I. Mr. John Sohl, Chief Executive Officer of the FSM Telecom, Mr. Andrew Yatilman, Director of the Office of Environment and Emergency Management and HE, Akillino H. Susaia, FSM Ambassador to China and non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. For more information on the outcome documents of this ITU Summit, please contact the FSM Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure. The full text of President Mori's statement can be read by clicking this link: |