The Minister Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi has called for a shift in the approach to cyberspace from restriction to maximum use.
“The development of technology in
the fields of space, communications, the digital economy, knowledge-based
enterprises, and emerging technologies must be pursued seriously. Sincerely serving
the people is the most important responsibility of managers on the path toward
strengthening the country’s power,” he stated.
Hashemi made the remarks on Thursday
following launching of 112 ICT infrastructure projects in Semnan Province with
the combined investment of 14 million US dollars.
Speaking at a meeting of the
Semnan Provincial Administrative Council, the Minister also expressed his
appreciation to the Armed Forces and other institutions of the country for
defending Iran.
“Alongside defense and
resistance, diplomacy and dialogue are also part of the continuation of
defending the country, and the art lies in consolidating the power that has
been created,” he noted.
He referred to President Masoud
Pezeshkian’s emphasis on the importance of technology at the international
forums.
“One of the important pillars of
the country’s power is the field of technology. The development of technology
in the areas of space, communications, the digital economy, the knowledge-based
economy, and knowledge-based companies is considered one of the enduring
foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s power.”
Sincerely Serving the People
The ICT Minister called for
paying attention to the people’s demands and said “We must use everything
within our power in the path of sincerely serving the people and strive to
resolve the problems in their lives.”
“Under wartime conditions,
despite all the difficulties and economic pressures, services to the people did
not stop, and this demonstrates the cohesion and support of the people, as well
as the round-the-clock efforts of various institutions across the country.”
He “Under conditions of war, economic pressures
and inflation naturally exist, and we must strive to help with the people’s
livelihoods. This effort and struggle, if it is not more important than the
first struggle \[the defense effort\], is certainly no less important.”
Hashemi, stating that recent events have
changed the way many countries around the world view Iran, emphasized the need
to preserve unity and cohesion and said: “We must appreciate this asset and
avoid division and duality.”
112 ICT Projects
In another part of his remarks, the
ICT Minister referred to the inauguration of 112 infrastructure projects in
Semnan Province.
“A considerable portion of these
measures were carried out quietly and without extensive media coverage, but the
developments achieved in the communications sector have been significant
accomplishments that were realized with the support of the people and the
round-the-clock efforts of various institutions.”
He continued referring to the
need to develop communications infrastructure while paying attention to content
production and education.
“The Digital Iran program,
focusing on students in the first cycle of secondary education, is currently
being implemented, and reaching four million users of this program, which was
recently announced in the presence of the President, is an important
development.”
He described cyberspace as a
valuable platform with enormous potential and emphasized “All of us, regardless
of our position or responsibilities, must make maximum use of the capacities of
cyberspace.”
Referring to the late Leader’s
perspective on cyberspace, Hashemi stated, “Our approach should not be limited
to viewing cyberspace merely as a technical tool that can be shut down or
opened. Rather, we must make effective and maximum use of the capacities of
this space.”
“Cyberspace today is part of the
real-life of the people and has become several times larger than
the physical space. Therefore, we must all contribute to the proper and
effective use of this capacity,” said the ICT Minister.