Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Minister for Digital Transition, represented Burkina Faso on Monday, September 23, at the interactive dialogue on the theme "Towards a common digital future: strengthening inclusive innovation and cooperation to reduce the digital divide" at the Future Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.On this occasion, she challenged the international community on the issue of the taxation of giants in developing countries.We offer you the full statement of the Minister."Mr. President,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,We are living in a time of great uncertainty due to the multifaceted challenges facing our world, but we are allowed to hope, because this is also the era of digital technology, of artificial intelligence, which, far from being simple tools, are becoming real catalysts for change, transforming our societies and our economies.Despite these prospects and many efforts in the countries of the South, the digital divide persists and exacerbates all other inequalities. And this is where our collective responsibility for a common digital future lies.Ladies and Gentlemen,My country, Burkina Faso, as you know, has been facing recurring terrorist attacks for a decade. You will agree with me that restoring security and territorial integrity is therefore the first national priority.The government is nevertheless convinced that the real response to terrorist barbarity is development. Under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, the place of digital technology as a catalyst for inclusive development is affirmed daily. The government has just last week put into effect a project of unprecedented size financed with the support of the World Bank to the tune of 100 billion to accelerate the development of infrastructure, the modernization of the administration, digital literacy, cover the residual white zones and develop local expertise.Ladies and Gentlemen,My country's conviction is that digital challenges must be addressed in a global approach that tak es into account the interests of all stakeholders, particularly in terms of cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime as well as in favor of appropriate regulation of private actors in line with the sovereignty of States. This is the place for me to welcome, on behalf of the government of Burkina Faso, the adoption of the global compact on digital technology which aims to bridge the digital divide.The question of financing is, I fear, fundamental to this ambition.At this stage of my speech, I make a solemn appeal to the digital giants. You have the influence and resources to help bridge the digital divide: invest even more in infrastructure in developing countries, support local innovation and youth training, and make your technologies accessible to all.This will not be charity. These investments, necessary for a better digital future for all, will pay off by expanding your users to the 2.6 billion people who are still unconnected.I would also like to stress the urgency of a frank exchange on tax justice that would allow developing countries to benefit from the tax revenues of the giants.Ladies and Gentlemen,Let us seize the opportunity of adopting the Global Compact on Digital Technology to co-construct together, an active, sincere, win-win and fair international cooperation for a more connected, safer and more prosperous world where no one is left behind.Thank you.Dr Aminata ZERBO/SABANEMinister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications of Burkina FasoOfficer of the Order of the StallionSource: Burkina Information Agency
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