 ICTs, or Information and Communication Technologies, are essential for the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. An ambitious action plan for people, prosperity and the planet, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals aim to eradicate poverty and strengthen universal peace through collective partnerships, promoting economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. People everywhere can reap the benefits of connectivity. Let us empower individuals with these transformative technologies so that they can advocate and innovate for our common future. Digital financial services lift people out of poverty. Not everyone has a bank account, but many have mobile phones. Banking the unbanked creates economic growth that is sustainable. To drive sustainable economic growth, efforts must have a wide global reach. Connectivity increases the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. Giving women and girls access to ICTs has the potential to empower them in all aspects of their lives. New technologies have the power to open up endless opportunities for those living with disability. ICTs significantly improve quality healthcare for people in poor and remote areas. In Kenya, doctors in rural hospitals use telemedicine technology to get advice from specialists on how best to treat their patients. ICTs are part of the solution in ensuring the sustainable future of our planet. In a world where natural resources are scarce and always in demand, new technologies can help preserve ecosystems. Oceanographic radar monitors the health of oceans. GPS technology tracks deforestation and biodiversity loss. Mobile networks give farmers information about sustainable agricultural practices and how to reach new markets. The constant flow of people from the countryside to the city is putting pressure on the planet's already scarce resources. The transition to smart cities with their integrated ICT infrastructure will create better systems for delivering energy, water, waste and transport services. Smart cities will be safer for their citizens and more resilient to a changing climate. As the world faces more extreme weather events, ICTs can save lives. I believe the challenge now is for the international community to come together and harness the huge potential that these technologies hold for economic growth and development. ICTs are the essential levers to transform the digital revolution into a development revolution and move the sustainable development goals from vision to action.