 The internet's first message in World Telecommunication and Information Society Day happened the same year, five decades ago. It changed the way that we think about telecommunication and human connection. And today, digital technology is redefining what it means to connect to one another, to opportunity, to knowledge, to the world. But on this day, we remember that too many people are left behind, that just one-third, one-third only of the population in least developed countries is connected. That it's our collective responsibility to support LDCs on their journey from potential to prosperity through technology. That's why ITU, the UN Agency for Digital Technologies, dedicates this day, this year, to these countries. And that's why I call on you today to join our campaign to empower LDCs by making a pledge to partner to connect digital coalition. Together, we can make 2023 a year of unprecedented digital development in least developed countries and create a truly universally connected world, where everyone, everywhere shares in the benefits of technology.