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UN Official Calls for Utilizing ICT for the People's Welfare
Khan Tackles UNs Role in Development at TAG-Business Forum
AMMAN --- June 16, 2009 --- Mr. Sarbuland Khan, executive coordinator of the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technology and Development (GAID), stressed that new technologies could serve the United Nations in its mission to develop health and education sectors and reduce poverty levels worldwide.
This call came during his lecture entitled the United Nations Role in Development at the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum (TAG-Forum) / German-Jordanian University delivered on June 15, 2009, with the attendance of Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA-GAID).
At the beginning of the lecture, Mr. Khan congratulated Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh for being appointed the new UNDESA-GAID Chairman.
I am fully confident that Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh will succeed in leading the UNDESA-GAID towards progress and outstanding achievements, he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Khan highlighted the important role the UN plays in assisting the underdeveloped countries all over the world through coordinating emergency relief efforts across the globe by working in close collaboration with national governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.
Moreover, he discussed various issues among which are development, education and ICT stating that ICT should be employed for the welfare of the nations by using it in boosting healthcare, creating new jobs and promoting innovation. High-ranking diplomats along with officials from the UN organizations, government and NGOs; in addition to media representatives attended the event.
During his twenty-four years of professional experience within the United Nations, Mr. Khan held several positions; he was the Director for the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Mr. Khan directed the preparation of the Ministerial meeting of the Economic and Social Council on ICT for development and has been responsible for its follow-up and the establishment of the United Nations Information and Communication Technology Task Force.
The Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID), an initiative approved by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006, was launched after comprehensive worldwide consultations with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical and Internet communities and academia.
With its multi-stakeholder approach, the Alliance reaffirms the belief that a people-centered and knowledge-based information society is essential for achieving better life for all.