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Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure and an honor to extend, on behalf of the Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, our congratulations on the convening of the 2025 Annual Conference and the 10th anniversary of the World Internet of Things Convention (WIOTC).

Today, the Internet of Things is no longer a distant vision-it has in advanced countries become a powerful driver of the digital economy, connecting devices, systems, and people in ways that are reshaping industries, powering smarter cities, and transforming global trade. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report - IoT Connections Outlook, there were approximately 19 billion IoT connections worldwide in 2024, a figure projected to more than double by 2030. And the Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing markets for IoT.

At UNCTAD, we closely monitor the transformative impacts of emerging technologies. The rapid growth of the digital economy has become a cornerstone of global development, offering immense potential for inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth. Yet, it also presents new challenges that require coordinated, forward-looking policy responses to ensure that digital transformation truly benefits all.

As the United Nations’ lead agency on trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development, UNCTAD provides governments with the tools and guidance they need to harness digitalization for development. Our Digital Economy Report 2024 highlighted that sustainability must be a defining feature of the digital economy. I am pleased to note that the First Conference on Sustainable Development of the Global Intelligently Interconnected Digital Economy, hosted by WIOTC this year, shares this same vision of placing sustainability at the heart of digital transformation.

In this context, being conscious of the environmental implications of the fast evolving digital economy is key. The surge in data flows – from 100 GB per second in 2005 to 380,000 GB per second now – and the growing computing power linked to artificial intelligence, has made the ICT sector a significant emitter of greenhouse gases. Similarly, the expansion of digital devices, networks and data centres is leading to growing demand for critical natural resources as well as more waste related to digitalization.

This is why UNCTAD is calling for actions that can make the digital economy more circular. We also need to ensure that countries that are currently trailing behind in the digital economy get a fair chance of catching up.

One year ago, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, including the Global Digital Compact, reaffirming our collective commitment to a digital economy that is inclusive, safe, and equitable. UNCTAD is proud to be co-facilitating the implementation of these commitments and to work with partners to ensure that the benefits of digitalization reach everyone, everywhere.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The pace and complexity of digital change call for strong partnerships and shared responsibility. Let us also look ahead with renewed determination to build a digital economy that is connected, sustainable, and inclusive.

UNCTAD stands ready to work hand in hand with you in this important endeavor.

Thank you.