Thank you Mr President. I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Transparent, responsible, accountable and participatory government underpins the protection of human rights, especially when confronted with unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology is increasingly important in emergency responses. In Canada, New Zealand, Australia and many other places, smart phone apps, social media platforms and virtual forums have helped make information and public services more accessible during the pandemic.

While technology can be powerful, the discussion today has highlighted the ongoing risk it can pose to human rights. We know, for example, that the digital divide is highly gendered. If women and girls are unable to access the benefits of technology, they will inadvertently miss crucial public health information. We must have disability, age and gender responsive approaches to both online and offline public health campaigns.

We believe an ongoing commitment to effective and inclusive governance, enabled by strong institutions and efficient uses of new technology, will be integral in responding to future crises and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG16.

We would welcome the panel's views on the risks of technological advances in supporting inclusive societies in line with SDG16 and how States can best address them.