Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age
January 15, 2021Contact: Dr Jim Poisant M: +1 703 728-4547 E: jpoisant@witsa.orgWITSA Highlights the Positive Impact and Contributions of ICT During a Time of Global CrisisFairfax, VA: The World Information Technology and Services (WITSA) today published a statement of policy entitled “The Impact and Contributions of ICT During a Time of Global Crisis: Embracing Digital Technology in the New Normal”. The paper takes stock of how our industry has stepped up to the task during the crisis. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, changes have taken place in our homes, our workplaces, our governments, businesses, meetings, education, travel, our healthcare system to include medical research-thus we have adopted new ways to conduct our lives-this is our new normal.The paper shows that the pandemic has forced an exponential growth in and usage of digital technologies, leading to a “new normal” that fully embraces digital transformation and opening the door to the 4th Industrial Revolution and the fusion of the digital, biological, and physical worlds, as well as the growing utilization of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies, among others.“Sooner than later, the COVID-19 virus pandemic will go down in history among other global catastrophes”, said WITSA Chairman Mr. Yannis Sirros. “The most important question is how the world will recover and learn from this crisis and prepare for the next one. The digital technology industry can support society’s prosperity, drive economic growth and promote innovation, introducing a new digital future, all over the world”, continued Mr. Sirros.“Among all the lessons derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, none is more important than stressing the importance of ICT development”, stated WITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant. “Crises will come and go but falling behind in the Digital Age will cast nations into perpetual poverty and hardship”, continued Dr. Poisant. “Catching up is quite possible if nations act NOW with a sense of Urgency. As a matter of fact, now is the best time for nations to leapfrog ahead in their quest to become Digital nations and Digital Citizens.”The full statement can be found on the WITSA web site at the following link: https://witsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WITSA-COVID19-Report-2021.pdf About WITSA: The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the global ICT industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent more than 90 percent of the world ICT market. WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in ICT products and services; strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broad network of professional contacts.WITSA members are leaders in a globally interconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the ICT industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members — ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States — to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues. For more information on WITSA, please visit www.witsa.org
