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Introductory Remarks New York, 2 May 2000
Distinguished Colleagues, In this context, the presentations today by two notable authorities in the field will highlight an important issue of our overall discussions, that of information and communications technology. I should also add that this is not an isolated, one-shot event. Rather it is an integral part of a larger effort that the United Nations is currently undertaking which constitutes a comprehensive and systematic effort to assess and address the challenges and opportunities brought about by the process of globalization and interdependence. In doing so we also look at ways in which our Organization and its Member States can effectively respond. I will not presume to anticipate our two experts who will conduct the presentation today. So before I introduce these two gentlemen, let me just briefly say that one of our major quests in ECOSOC is to seek how best to harness the tremendous promise and opportunities yielded by globalization in the service of development. At the same time we are seeking ways and means to minimize the profound risks of marginalization and the possibility of recurrent financial crises. For this purpose we firmly believe that IT, as the predominant driving force of globalization, presents the international community with a unique opportunity to bolster development through, among other things, increased connectivity in such fields as e-commerce, education and health care. Such an impulse is critical if we are to both bridge the digital divide which is currently exacerbating the economic gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ and to successfully implement the new paradigm of development which has emerged from the major UN conferences of the 1990s. Having said that, I am particularly happy to welcome here today two distinguished authorities in this awesome field, Mr. Thomas Friedman and Mr. Geoffrey Kirkman. First, as to Mr. Friedman, the Pulitzer Prizewinning foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times, whose book, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, has just been released in an updated and expanded edition which, according to the blurb on the back, offers an engrossing look at the new international system that is transforming world affairs today. Many of you will remember that Mr. Friedman spoke eloquently to us several months ago about the essence and manifestations of globalization. We remember, in particular, his words that as far as globalization and its challenges were concerned, “There is no one in charge”, and that, “There is no one to call”. We also know that Mr. Friedman has recently been traveling extensively in the developing world, so perhaps he is now in a good position to advise us on who we should call in order to mobilize our countries to respond effectively to the challenges of globalization – whether it be our Governments, the United Nations, private business or all of the above? We would also appreciate the benefit of his ideas on what the United Nations system could and should do in this crucial matter. I am also very happy to welcome Mr. Geoffrey Kirkman, Managing Director of the Information Technologies Group of the Center for International Development at Harvard University. Mr. Kirkman’s work focuses on the impact of the Internet and other new information and communication technologies upon developing countries. In particular, his research focuses on electronic commerce, or e-commerce for short, in the context of the developing world. He has also focused on using information technologies as an instrument for political and economic development. Prior to joining the Center for International Development, Mr. Kirkman worked for the World Bank in Latin America. It therefore gives me great pleasure to welcome both of our distinguished speakers today and I am convinced this discussion will be intellectually stimulating and practically relevant. Now I am pleased to first give the floor to Mr. Thomas L. Friedman and after that to Mr. Geoffrey Kirkman. After both speakers we hope to have time for discussion. Thank you.
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