Choi See-joong, chairman of Korea Communications Commission and chairman of the OECD Ministerial Meeting that ended Wednesday, issued the Seoul Declaration at the end of the two-day conference at COEX Center. ― ED.
Today, 20 percent of the world's population enjoys the benefits of the Internet in their everyday lives. And this was something that no one envisioned of when the Internet was developed for the first time 30 years ago.
In the future, the Internet will bring changes everywhere, in our politics, economy, society and culture.
It is time to ponder upon how we could maximize positive changes and benefits that could be brought about by the Internet.
In this light, the Ministers of the OECD Member and Non-Member countries, who are gathered at the Seoul Ministerial, have adopted The Seoul Declaration for the Future of the Internet Economy which contains policy directions for a bright future of the Internet economy.
Now, I will summarize some key messages of the Seoul Declaration.
We share a vision that the Internet Economy, covering the full range of our economic, social and cultural activities supported by the Internet and related information and communications technologies, will strengthen our capacity to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.
To realize this vision, we will
● facilitate the convergence of digital networks, devices, applications and services;
● foster creativity in the development, use and application of the Internet; and
● increase cross-border cooperation of government in strengthening confidence and security of the Internet.
We also recognize the importance of the OECD report Shaping Policies for the Future of the Internet Economy that provides a policy context for the Seoul Declaration, and commend its consideration by countries around the world in developing their policies to support the Internet economy.
As Chair of the Seoul OECD Ministerial, I am very happy about the adoption of the declaration, which marks a milestone in the future of the Internet economy.
For effective implementation of the policies in the Seoul Declaration, the OECD's work is essential.
Now, I would like to turn the floor to Mr. Angel Gurria, Secretary-General OECD for the future directions of the OECD.