In the framework of UNCDF’s partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr. Nicola Crosta, UNCDF’s Head of Policy, intervened at the side-event of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-14) devoted to “Broadband for Sustainable Development". Mr. Crosta stressed the challenges related to financing connectivity and the importance to identify and scale-up innovative financing mechanisms allowing to utilize public resources to crowd in private capital and mitigate the risks of private investment, especially in rural and remote areas.

In the same session, HE Ms. Massoundi Bahiat, Minister of ICTs and Telecommunications of Comoro, highlighted the key role that ICT connectivity can play in the development of the SIDS (Small Islands Developing States) and underlined the need to develop appropriate regulatory frameworks to facilitate private sector investments. HE Mr. Louis Casambre, Deputy Minister for ICTs of the Philippines, highlighted the benefits of satellite communications, especially in emergency situations and in the aftermath of natural disasters. In closing the side-event, Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of ITU, welcomed the collaboration with UNCDF and underlined the importance of developing partnerships among organizations sharing the same commitment to strengthening broadband connectivity as a key vector to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The event was hosted by United Arab Emirates and brought together senior policymakers and representatives from over 100 countries.