 Dear Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, I would like to thank the ITU for organizing and running the WTPF. Many thanks also go to the Informal Experts Group headed by Italy, Mr. Falco Bigi, which developed the draft opinions as the basis for the forum's content. Since time is short, I would like to refer only to one of the draft opinions, namely Opinion 5. The use of telecommunications ICT in COVID-19 and future pandemic preparedness and response explicitly refers to the necessity to take an active role in developing and disseminating standards, guidelines and best practices, thereby in cooperation with other stakeholders. We very much welcome the effort. Certainly, the ITU has to take an active role here. However, what does it mean taking an active role? I would suggest the meaning should be twofold. First, of course, content-wise, and I think this is self-understanding. Second, as in cooperation with other organizations, which also means supporting existing proven solutions and developing them further. Since the topic at hand is of overwhelming global relevance. My delegation recommends to jointly work with WHO and other UN organizations and stakeholders, sectors related to telecommunications and, of course, with the private sector. In this case, represented by other international standard-setting institutions, but also with relevant companies at the forefront in the fight against the pandemics. In order to achieve the best and multifocus set of standards and guidelines, in order to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and future pandemics, the ITU has an excellent technical reputation which qualifies to show leadership. Like no other international body of states and governments, with all its contributors from the private sector and science, the ITU can advance the international standardization of communication technologies. Let us consider how we could also include smaller, medium-sized companies and their innovative strengths in this process. As you know, Germany has presented our own candidate for the ITUT Directive's position in 2022 and does apply again for the Council. Thus, we are very much looking forward to continue and even extend our contribution to ITU's work. Looking forward to seeing you on the occasion of the first on-site event somewhere in 2022. Thank you to all of you.