HAVANA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Cuba on Monday called for peaceful and legitimate use of information and communications technology (ICT), saying the Internet has the potential to promote social and economic development of emerging nations.
At the opening of an international forum here on the use of the ICT for peaceful purposes, Cuban Deputy Minister of Communications Wilfredo Gonzalez said the Caribbean nation supports the establishment of a global system to prevent the misuse of such technology.
"By holding this forum, we intend to build a platform that allows dialogue and exchange on good practices in topics such as Internet governance, application of international law, ICT security and responsible use by individuals, organizations and states," Gonzalez said.
Present at the event were government authorities and industry experts from 22 nations, who believed that this event will help lead to the adoption at the United Nations (UN) of a legally binding international instrument regarding ICT and its use.
"We hope the forum will help to effectively respond to the legal gaps that exist today on cybersecurity based on cooperation among all states," Gonzalez added.
Participants at the three-day gathering will also discuss the establishment of international and multilateral mechanisms to promote an equitable distribution of resources, facilitate access for all people, and ensure a stable and secure operation of the Internet.
Despite stepped up U.S. sanctions, said Gonzalez, Cuba is modernizing its economic system and as part of that, information and communication technology constitutes a strategic sector.
"The recently approved Constitution ratifies the commitment to building a society of information and knowledge focused on the individual and oriented towards sustainable development, and upholding cooperation with all nations and the democratization of cyberspace," he said.
The event, cosponsored by the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU), seeks to contribute to strengthening the organization's leading role in promoting dialogue among member states on these issues.
In addition, experts and officials will discuss how to improve coordination and joint cooperation among countries to combat fake news and communication technologies for criminal purposes.
