Senate Resolution No. 1141

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 17, 2021, as Telecommunication and Information
Society Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues
that affect the lives of the residents of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 17, 2021, as
Telecommunication and Information Society Day in the State of New York,
in conjunction with the observance of World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 crisis has not only highlighted the critical
role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for continued
functioning of societies but has also brought to the fore the startling
digital inequalities between and within countries; and

WHEREAS, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) members have
stepped up and engaged in activities that have proven essential in
saving lives and sustaining economies; they have demonstrated their
remarkable resilience in the face of challenging times; and

WHEREAS, At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the
urgency of accelerating digital transformation and advancing the goals
and targets of the Connect 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind; and

WHEREAS, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)
2021 is an opportunity for ITU membership to continue to push for
digital transformation by promoting national strategies on ICT
development, smart policies to encourage investments, cooperation, and
partnership; and

WHEREAS, ITU invites residents to actively participate in
commemorating the theme of WTISD 2021, "Accelerating Digital
Transformation in challenging times," throughout the year with national,
regional, and international initiatives to accelerate digital
transformation; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 17, 2021, as
Telecommunication and Information Society Day in the State of New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.