Bridging the Digital Divide: Tackling Coercive Measures in Today’s Information Society

Bridging the Digital Divide: Tackling Coercive Measures in Today’s Information Society

In a significant address at the 28th session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), held from April 7 to 11 in Geneva, Switzerland, the head of the Information Technology Organization of Iran, Mohammad-Mohsen Sadr, identified unilateral coercive measures and the digital divide as the primary challenges facing the global information society. This session provided a crucial platform to discuss the pressing issues surrounding information and communication technologies (ICTs), as reported by dolat.ir.

Sadr emphasized the event’s goal to foster a collective vision and commitment to creating an information society where all nations can reap the benefits of information technology. He articulated Iran’s substantial progress in this area, stating, “Iran, as a part of the global information society, has taken great strides in this direction. In line with economic and social advancement programs, Iran has achieved significant progress in expanding the fiber optic network, developing mobile broadband in rural and urban areas, and promoting electronic services in the fields of health, trade, education, agriculture, and science.”

However, Sadr lamented that international mechanisms for financial and technological assistance have been ineffectively implemented, exacerbating the technological gap between nations. He pointed out that, according to the Tunis Agenda, all governments should play an equal role in Internet governance, a goal that remains unfulfilled.

Sadr highlighted several key issues:

  • Unilateral sanctions: These measures have restricted access to essential hardware and software for developing countries, hindering their ability to capitalize on available opportunities.
  • Competitive environment: Sanctions have undermined the necessary competitive and enabling atmosphere required for progress.
  • Global digital compact: He called for the establishment of practical mechanisms to reinforce international digital cooperation and eliminate such unilateral measures.
  • Responsibility of cross-border companies: Sadr urged companies involved in digital and artificial intelligence sectors to uphold cultural diversity and respect national sovereignty.

Sadr expressed optimism that through collaboration among nations and international institutions, the challenges facing the information society could be identified and addressed effectively.

About the 28th CSTD Session

The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) serves as a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is the UN’s focal point for science, technology, and innovation (STI) for development. During the 28th session, key themes included:

  1. Diversifying economies: Addressing the challenges presented by accelerated digitalization.
  2. Technology foresight: Assessing technology for sustainable development.

The CSTD acts as a forum for strategic planning, sharing best practices, and drawing attention to emerging technologies that can impact economic, environmental, and societal sectors. It facilitates collaborations among member states, NGOs, and various stakeholders in the field of science and technology.

Cuba’s Interest in Iranian Expertise

In a notable development during the CSTD session, Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, the Cuban first deputy minister of communications, expressed Cuba’s eagerness to leverage Iran’s expertise in establishing a smart government and enhancing cybersecurity. This meeting underscored the ongoing positive interactions between Iran and Cuba.

Hernández stated, “Cuban officials are determined to develop relations with Iran, and our companies are preparing proposals for further cooperation with Iran.” He also highlighted the successful participation of Iranian companies in last year’s technology exhibition in Cuba, which fostered beneficial interactions in cybersecurity.

Sadr responded positively, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation between the two nations. He mentioned that Iran is keen to enhance joint activities in e-government and smart governance, including the provision of training courses for Cuban officials. Sadr proposed the establishment of a joint committee to oversee collaborative efforts between Iran and Cuba.

The Cuban official extended an invitation to Iranian companies to participate in Cuba’s upcoming 2026 exhibition and expressed the country’s readiness to engage in international events hosted in Iran.

Enhancing ICT Cooperation Between Iran and Cuba

On November 24, 2024, Iran and Cuba reinforced their commitment to enhancing cooperation in ICT by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on postal services. This agreement was part of a broader initiative led by Iranian Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi, who visited South America and the Caribbean to strengthen ICT partnerships.

During discussions in Havana, Hashemi and Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martinez Diaz explored various avenues for collaboration in ICT, particularly in:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Expanding joint activities in AI technologies.
  • Telecommunications: Enhancing connectivity and service delivery.
  • Postal services: Improving postal exchanges between Tehran and Havana.

Martinez acknowledged Iran’s significant advancements in science and technology and expressed a desire to broaden their collaborative efforts. Hashemi affirmed Iran’s readiness to share technological expertise and implement joint initiatives, emphasizing the potential for cooperative growth.

The signed MOU aims to facilitate and improve postal exchanges in compliance with Universal Postal Union (UPU) regulations, marking a significant step forward in the cooperation between Iran and Cuba in the ICT sector.

Similar Posts

  • Iran Set to Launch 20 Cutting-Edge Satellites: Official Announcement Reveals Ambitious Space Program

    Tehran is advancing its space strategy by developing around 20 new satellites through public-private partnerships, as highlighted by Iranian Space Agency head Hassan Salarieh at the 2025 INOTEX Exhibition. This includes the “Shahid Soleimani” satellite constellation, emphasizing the private sector’s growing role in Iran’s space industry. Salarieh introduced a guaranteed purchase program for satellite imagery to boost the space-based economy. The INOTEX exhibition, featuring over 500 startups and innovations, showcases satellite technologies and artificial intelligence applications. This collaboration between state and private firms is crucial for enhancing Iran’s standing in the global space sector, indicating a promising future for the country’s space initiatives.

  • Top Knowledge-Based Companies Showcase Innovations at Hospitalar 2025

    Iran is advancing in the healthcare sector, particularly in medical equipment production and export. At the 30th Hospitalar event in Sao Paulo, nine Iranian knowledge-based firms showcased innovations, including dental implants, telemedicine solutions, and AI platforms. The event featured 1,200 exhibitors from over 80 countries, fostering networking and collaboration. Iran aims for self-sufficiency in medical supplies, with over 70% of its medical equipment produced domestically. Currently, Iran exports approximately $20 million in medical equipment annually to over 60 countries. The country’s 600 active medical equipment companies are crucial in supplying nearly 99% of domestic medicine, enhancing global market presence.

  • Iran Grapples with Intensifying Water and Power Crisis as Summer Heatwave Intensifies

    Iran is grappling with a severe crisis as rising temperatures lead to significant water and electricity shortages, sparking public discontent and unrest. Recent outages have disrupted daily life, particularly in industrial areas, prompting spontaneous protests. Key water sources, like the Karaj Dam, have seen alarming drops in reserves, with experts warning of potential rationing. The electricity crisis mirrors the water situation, with power cuts lasting up to 11 hours in some regions. Despite parliamentary scrutiny, there are few immediate solutions, leaving citizens to endure worsening conditions amid rising unemployment and infrastructural decline.

  • Shocking Seismic Activity: Over 90 Earthquakes Rattle Iran in Just One Week!

    From September 20 to 26, Iran experienced 94 earthquakes, as reported by the University of Tehran’s seismological networks. Most were minor, with 83 measuring under 3 and 11 between 3 and 4. Notably, two significant earthquakes of 3.7 struck Fars province. Kerman was the most affected area with 17 quakes, followed by South Khorasan and Isfahan. Over the past year, Iran recorded 6,272 earthquakes, with 150 exceeding magnitude 4.5, highlighting the region’s seismic volatility. Iran, a seismically active area, accounts for 2% of global earthquakes but over 6% of earthquake-related fatalities in the 20th century.

  • Tehran’s Water Crisis: Unveiling How the Regime Weaponizes Shortages for Political Gain

    Tehran is facing a severe water crisis, leaving millions without access to this vital resource due to decades of corruption, mismanagement, and environmental degradation by the Iranian regime. Residents endure prolonged water outages, with some going without water for over twelve hours daily, while the government shifts blame onto the populace. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s call for reduced water consumption contrasts sharply with the harsh realities faced by families. The crisis, exacerbated by pollution and low reservoir levels, reflects a broader political failure. Without accountability and reform, the struggles of Tehran’s residents will continue, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable resource management.

  • This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded with more detailed information…