ITU regional director: "Online Azerbaijan" project set to improve citizens' quality of life

The "Online Azerbaijan" project, in line with the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) strategic goals, aims to enhance digital accessibility and improve citizens' quality of life, fostering technological advancement and sustainable development, according to ITU Regional Director Natalia Mochu.

"The key goal of the project is to ensure universal digital accessibility, creating conditions for access to high-quality, reliable, and affordable Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)," she said, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

At the project's reporting event, Mochu also emphasised that another priority is the sustainable digital transformation, which ensures equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications and ICT. "As demonstrated in the video presentation, this helps to unlock the potential of people and society, laying the foundation for sustainable development," she added.

The ITU is also inviting Azerbaijan to join the "Partner to Connect" digital coalition, which aims to develop digital infrastructure and ensure universal access to connectivity. Mochu noted that the commitments made by participants in the initiative currently amount to USD 73 billion, aimed at building reliable digital infrastructure, particularly in developing countries.

"However, an additional USD 1.7 trillion is needed to achieve complete connectivity," she said. "We invite Azerbaijan to join this platform, which already unites representatives from 147 ITU member countries."

The ITU, a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) focused on digital technologies, is actively working to reduce global digital inequality. Azerbaijan has made significant progress in enhancing its ICT data collection system. "In 2022-2023, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, efforts were made to improve data collection and transmission processes to meet UN standards," Mochu said. "We hope that through this project, Azerbaijan will provide even higher quality data."

Mochu also pointed out that young people are the most active internet users. "Globally, 79% of people aged 15-24 use the internet—13 percentage points higher than the general population," she said. "In Azerbaijan, these figures are even higher. The proportion of youth (15-24 years old) using the internet stands at 88.2%, while for those aged 25-74, the figure reaches 91.2%." She noted that while internet access globally is becoming cheaper, its cost still remains a challenge. "In low-income countries, the price of fixed broadband access is almost a third of the average monthly income (33%)," Mochu said. 

Meanwhile, Shahin Babaev, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), also addressed the event, stating that the goal of the initiative is to ensure internet access and digital technologies for all citizens, including schoolchildren. He stressed that digital technologies play a crucial role in improving people’s well-being and contributing to sustainable development and global progress.

"According to the UN, 3.7 billion people worldwide still lack access to the internet, which accounts for a third of the world’s population," Babaev said. "In response, the UN has developed the 'Global Digital Compact' initiative, which aims to provide internet access for everyone by 2030."

Note that, for the first time in the history of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Telecommunication Development Conference will be held in Azerbaijan.

“From November 17 to 28, Baku will host a landmark event for the global digital community – the World Telecommunication Development Conference. The entire ITU ecosystem will gather to discuss the key challenges and future prospects of digital connectivity. Our goal is not only to ensure accessibility, reliability, and security of connectivity but also to make it truly meaningful, so the internet can bring real benefits to people,” Mochu remarked.

By Aghakazim Guliyev