During a session at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, discussed the challenges and opportunities of digitalization. The session, titled “Hope for Digitalisation – A Digital Future for All, Inclusive and Purposeful,” was part of the SDG Digital event coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Minister Talaat highlighted the critical global dialogue on digitalization, noting both its potential to enhance economies and the risk of widening the gap between developed and developing nations. He specifically addressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets, underscoring the need for strategies to secure digital opportunities for all.
Talaat emphasized the transformative potential of the digital era to foster job creation and meet development goals. He showcased Egypt’s substantial efforts in digital capacity building, with the goal of training over half a million people across the country this year—a significant increase from six years ago. These initiatives are designed to equip Egyptians with the necessary skills for employment in global markets and to encourage entrepreneurship.
In his address, Talaat also announced an ambitious project to install fibre optic cables in Egyptian villages as part of the “Decent Life” initiative. This project aims to enhance rural development and reach over 58 million citizens, approximately 50% of Egypt’s population.
The minister highlighted the ongoing digital transformation of government services in Egypt, making them more accessible to ensure that every citizen benefits from digital advancements.
The session was attended by various global leaders, including Abdullah Bin Amer Al-Sawaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and other international dignitaries and experts.
The SDG Digital event, themed “A Digital Future for All,” aims to underscore the importance of digital technology in achieving a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future. Minister Talaat’s participation was initiated by invitations from top officials at the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations.
On the sidelines, Talaat met with several international leaders, including World Bank’s Vice President for Digital Transformation, Sangbu Kim, and Christine Zhenwei Qiang, discussing potential collaborations to enhance Egypt’s digital infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. These meetings addressed the progress in Egypt’s ICT sector and explored opportunities for expanding Egypt’s role as a major global hub for exporting information technology services.
