In a statement on Monday, he said “the world has changed and we are living in the age of information where information is the most significant aspect of society.”

He said that digital, information and communication technology was a beacon of hope and progress, enabling billions of people around the world to connect and interact.

He said that during the pandemic, connectivity became the foundation of all sustainable development pillars and telecommunication and internet became a utility.

Haque said that the International Telecommunication Union continued to work with the information and communication technology community and UN agencies to help manage and end the crisis, and recover better.

Talking about the current scenario, the minister said that telecommunication technologies, from real-time broadband connectivity and big data to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, were powerful tools and means to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, including the pandemic diagnostic, monitoring and standard operating procedures.

“We need to collaborate and multiply our efforts to connect everyone to the global digital economy.” The minister said that the country had contributed around Rs30 billion to ensure connectivity and broadband services.