STATEMENT BY NORMA TAYLOR ROBERTS, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA, ON AGENDA ITEM 7(C) & (F): INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATICS; AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) TASK FORCE (New York, 19 July 2005)

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 7(c) and (f).

Allow me first of all, to thank Mr. Michael Laing, Coordinator of the ICT Board and Mr. Sarbuland, Executive Coordiantor of the ICD Task Force for presenting the respective reports of the Secretary General on this item.

Last year the Council took a decision to extend the mandate of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Informatics for one more year to enable it to continue its work to act as a bridge with regard to information technology between the evolving needs of Member States and the actions of the Secretariat.

Mr. President,

We have noted from the report as well as seen tangible evidence of activities that have been undertaken through collaboration between the Working Group and the various departments in the Secretariat to improve support services to the Missions and the working environment of delegations. Upgrading the personal computers available to delegations, improving the computer servers that provide services to the Missions and the recent initiative of wireless internet access in the conference rooms are activities that are much appreciated by the Group.

We also commend the proactive approach of the Secretariat in continuing to look at other areas for improvement and also where resources can be redirected to better serve the needs of delegations.

Mr. President,

The Group of 77 and China strongly supports the work being undertaken by the Ad Hoc Working Group and is convinced of the necessity of the services being provided. We therefore request the President of ECOSOC to convene the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Informatics for one more year to enable it to carry out its mandate as stated in ECOSOC resolution 1995/61 of 28 th July 1995.

The Group therefore appeals to Member States of the Council to fully support the draft resolution tabled by the Group of 77 and China.

Mr. President,

Turning to the question of Information and Communications Technology, we have seen in recent years that this has played an important role in enhancing development opportunities. Yet for many developing countries, with limited access to ICT, this still poses a great challenge – challenge to our participation in global markets, delivery of basic services and development opportunities.

The Group of 77 and China therefore appreciates the work being undertaken by the Information and Communication Technologies Task Force in promoting multi stakeholder dialogue on the role of ICT in development.

We have seen the expansion of the activities of the Task Force since its inauguration in 2001 and how it has helped increase awareness not only at the global but at regional levels. Its goal of promoting the mainstreaming of ICT in national policies and strategies is one that the Group of 77 and China encourages and we support the strengthening of the Information and Communication Technologies Task Force.

I thank you, Mr. President.