On October 21st, NCC’s Program Manager Lukas Pietrzak joined the Albuquerque chapter of the United Nations Foundation (UNA-USA) for a virtual United Nations Day Celebration. UN Day, officially celebrated on October 24th, marks the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations and is dedicated to recognizing and re-imagining the UN’s priorities to better our world. As part of their celebration, Albuquerque’s UNA-USA chapter hosted a conversation on broadband as modern electricity and the fight for universal connectivity across the Rocky Mountain region.
Pietrzak joined members of the UNA-USA chapter and fellow broadband advocates for short presentations and a discussion. They provided international, national, statewide, and local perspectives on broadband programs and goals in the region. The panel included:
- Ida Jallow, Senior Liaison Officer, International Telecommunications Union Liaison Office to the United Nations;
- Rebecca Dilg, Director, Utah Broadband Center;
- Ed Mills, Engagement & Technology Solutions Manager, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology; and
- Gar Clarke & Rand Tilton, NM Broadband Project Managers, New Mexico Department of Information Technology.
Pietrzak emphasized the importance of incorporating local voices into regional connectivity strategies, including the work being done in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He reiterated the need for an Internet future that is equitable and inclusive for every user. By supporting and empowering local officials, UNA-USA could help to eliminate historical barriers to connectivity, promote resilience in broadband networks to combat climate change, and craft policies that support our Internet today and plan for tomorrow. Pietrzak also encouraged UNA-USA members to reach out to their local officials, the broadband champions of their communities.
NCC was proud to support the Albuquerque chapter of UNA-USA, home to a member municipality. Alongside the UN and other broadband allies, we strive to create an equitable digital future for every resident in every community. Learn more about UNA-USA Albuquerque here.