THEME: “GENDER EQUALITY IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION" ______________________________________________________________________________

1.       Every 17 May, Brunei Darussalam joins fellow Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in commemorating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This year's theme, “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation," calls on us to reflect on how we can build a digital future that is inclusive, empowering, and equitable for all.

2.       In an increasingly connected world, digital technologies continue to shape the way we live, learn, work, and communicate. Yet, as these technologies evolve, so too must our collective efforts to ensure equal opportunity and access.

3.       We recognize the immense potential of ICT to empower every member of society's participation in social and economic development, including women and girls. With the right access and skills, they can drive positive change within their families, communities, and beyond. However, for many girls and women around the world, meaningful access to and use of ICT remains a major challenge. Persistent barriers such as gender bias, language and literacy gaps, financial limitations, and the underrepresentation of women in STEM education and careers—continue to hinder their inclusion in the digital economy.

4.       Alhamdulillah, Brunei Darussalam's long-standing policy to provide universal access to education has given women and girls equal opportunities to upgrade their knowledge and skills, and attain employment in various professional fields that includes the ICT sector. In 2024, women make up approximately 34% of the ICT workforce across all sectors, reflecting a gradual increase of 4% from 2020. This demonstrates the growing trend of active participation, representation, and leadership of women in shaping the digital economy—whether as innovators, entrepreneurs, technologists, or policymakers.

5.       To this end, AITI has been at the forefront of efforts to support digital inclusion and gender empowerment through various outreach and education programmes. One such initiative is “Digital for All", a national programme aimed at equipping communities with essential digital skills. Through practical workshops and community-based engagement, “Digital for All" empowers senior citizens and underserved individuals including women to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. These efforts help bridge the skills gap and foster digital confidence among citizens, ensuring no one is left behind in our nation's digital transformation.

6.       AITI also commemorates Girls in ICT Day annually, as part of a global initiative by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to encourage and empower girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in ICT. Themed “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation", this year's event brought together Year 9 female students from government schools for a hands-on workshop titled “The Art of Digital Content Creation – Building Meaningful Content for Social Impact." Participants explored how digital storytelling can influence perceptions and bring about positive change, while gaining exposure to the fundamentals of ethical and impactful content creation. The programme not only sparked creativity, but also inspired interest in ICT-related careers among many of the participants.

7.       These initiatives underscore Brunei Darussalam's commitment to building an inclusive digital ecosystem—one that nurtures talent across all segments of society, regardless of gender, age, or background.

8.       As we observe WTISD 2025, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to create opportunities where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully in the digital age.