Deeply honoured that @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres has appointed me as his first Envoy on Technology ( @UNTechEnvoy). I look forward to consulting closely with all Member States and other partners in my new role.

Thread below on my first thoughts: (1/8)

Though a relative newcomer to the tech field, I spent many years working alongside survivors of war & poverty, victims of human rights abuses & those w/ limited access to development opportunities. Amidst current tech debates, I draw my bearings from their hopes & needs. (2/8)

The tremendous benefits new technologies can and do bring to meeting the #SDGs @GlobalGoalsUN, upholding #humanrights, facilitating humanitarian action, and furthering peace are too often curtailed or undermined by inadequate international cooperation. (3/8)

Amidst #COVID19 we have seen growing digital divides within and between our societies. Growing polarization also risks fracturing the digital world further. Without better international cooperation, we risk letting a connected world race ahead of an unconnected one. (4/8)

We must #LeaveNoOneBehind. This begins with accelerating our efforts to ensure safe, affordable and meaningful connectivity for all people, particularly those most in danger of being excluded from the benefits of emerging technologies. (5/8)

I will strive to further this common goal and other cross-cutting priorities identified by States & other stakeholders, by building on the many initiatives and capacities within the @UN and working with our many exceptional partners. (6/8)

I remain committed to the multi-stakeholder, open & inclusive method of work that we have nurtured, in taking forward the @UN Secretary-General's Roadmap for #DigitalCooperation and maximizing the utility of new technologies for UN mandates. (7/8)

I plan to reach out to Member States, the private sector, civil society partners (old and new) to collaboratively shape a vision for the Office of @UNTechEnvoy that can have added value & impact in shaping a better future for those who currently enjoy few of its benefits. (8/8)