 In recent years, information and communication technologies, known as ICTs, have radically improved people's lives, but millions are still missing out. ITUD is working with global partners to bridge this gap and make the world a better place. In Moldova, ITU is working on a project which has installed computers in rural post offices, bringing the Internet to people like Irina, who can't afford connections of their own. I'm looking for a job now and of course Internet is the most useful tool to find the job, so it's very useful. I would like to express my gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union because today we have 43 access points and over 150,000 people are benefiting. There are so many benefits, I can't imagine life without Internet now. Miriam is one of thousands of children across Tanzania benefiting from new computer access through ITUD's Connector School Connector Community Project. I can learn a lot of things because I can get new information from other people what they think about that thing that I've been writing and what other countries are thinking about that particular topic. It's a very good model and we are going to move this model in the future program even if they're not related to ITU, but we are going to use the ITU model to extend the equipment to other schools. My parents are gaining a lot from me using computers because when I learn I can go there and teach them this and that, I can't get an understanding of what I'm telling them. Affordability is not the only obstacle. Many people with disabilities still face challenges in accessing ICTs. In Bulgaria, ITUD is working with the government to bring the life-changing power of ICTs to blind students like Dennis. This was a sudden change in my life, since I've been able to easily find information on the internet and I really enjoy this opportunity. ICT equipment gave the chance for them to become equal part of our society. They could enjoy the internet, they could improve their ICT skills and by this we enhanced the education. Technology nowadays is very important for young people, since without it it is unthinkable to have an everyday normal life. Everyday life gets turned upside down in the event of natural disasters. ICTs can play a crucial part in crisis response, as in the deployment of emergency communications following the earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan in 2011. ICTs have really become an infrastructure of human society. By having them damaged for the first time, we were able to understand the importance of such infrastructure. The disaster taught us about such things. We deeply appreciated that satellite mobile terminals provided from ITU were used in many rescues and confirmation of the big things. Japan has now established a research centre to explore ways of improving the resilience of ICTs to similar events, developing much needed innovations such as mobile deployable ICT resource units. ITU-D is committed to increasing the number of women working in ICTs. With initiatives such as Girls in ICT Day designed to inspire girls to consider a career in the sector. When girls are in the ICT sector they can do lots of things that are very useful for them in their role in society. So when we empower girls using this sector we can empower the whole society because they are a good inspiration for other people. Aya was one of many enthusiastic participants at a recent Girls in ICT Day event in Iman, Jordan. We had different opportunities. First of all we invented an app. There was a very excellent rating from the people. So we felt proud of our achievements. Taking part in the field of technology opens up many chances and opportunities related to all other fields in my opinion. It really broadens your horizon. ICTs are making an increasingly valuable contribution to all aspects of development, not least in the field of human health. Kenneth is one of many Costa Rican smokers who managed to quit with the help of a mobile health application developed in collaboration with ITU-D. The program is very helpful giving you tips and reminding you to stay clean. It was great. It worked. Our experience has been a good one. It's a low cost but highly effective system. ICTs are an invaluable tool in ensuring good health in the future. To spread the word about the program the government has launched an advertising campaign featuring some of Costa Rica's best-known soccer stars. Costa Rica is full of avid football followers. We have lots of fans, there are lots of kids, lots of young people that follow us and I think that it's good to be able to give them advice. I feel totally different. I can notice the change. Everybody should quit. ICTs can make a real difference in people's lives. We can help achieve sustainable development by putting the productive and innovative power of ICTs in the hands of ordinary people.