The World Governments Summit featured discussions on global connectivity led by Hatem Dowidar and Margherita Della Valle. While 5.5 billion people are connected, many remain unconnected, leading to potential economic divides. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and advanced technologies, such as satellite communications, to improve accessibility for remote areas.
At the World Governments Summit, Hatem Dowidar, group CEO at e&, highlighted that while 5.5 billion people are connected worldwide, approximately half that number remain unconnected. He emphasized the urgent need to address this digital divide to prevent further economic inequality in the future. Dowidar illustrated his point by comparing two students: one enjoying advanced AI educational resources and global collaboration, while the other struggles with basic education due to geographical limitations.
“These two have to compete in the future … It’s really unfair. And if we don’t do anything today to bridge that divide, it will become a bigger problem in the future,” Dowidar stated. He affirmed that connectivity is crucial for progress and urged collective action among governments, businesses, and organizations to enhance global connectivity. As advancements in AI and satellite technology emerge, there is potential to significantly improve education, healthcare, and economic activities in underconnected regions.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, stated, “For society, connectivity today is essential … There cannot be any real development without connectivity.” She explained that Vodafone operates in 17 countries in Europe and Africa and is focused on creating a connected world for all. Recently, Vodafone has made strides by integrating satellite connectivity into their networks, providing opportunities to connect remote areas effectively.
Della Valle noted that approximately 2.5 billion individuals lack internet access, with around 300 million entirely disconnected from any connectivity options. She shared her excitement over her recent achievement of conducting the first mobile space video call using a standard smartphone, asserting that the commercial launch of this service will open vast opportunities for remote connectivity later this year.
In conclusion, addressing the global connectivity gap is crucial for mitigating future economic disparities. Hatem Dowidar and Margherita Della Valle underscored the importance of cooperation among various sectors to harness advancements in technology, particularly satellite communications, to reach underserved populations. The statements made at the World Governments Summit highlight a shared commitment towards innovative solutions for improved global connectivity.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
