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Stimulating digital inclusion in Europe
1. Thoughts on digital inclusion, to stimulate a debate in Europe and to refresh an outdated approach Paul Ryan Group External Relations, Vodafone Group 24 March 2009
Welcome and thank you Particular thanks to Joseph Borrell Fontelles, Chairman Development Committee, EP for hosting this event And to                 Luis Riera Figueras, Director of Development Policy, Thematic issues, DG Development Yury Grin, Deputy Director Development, ITU Iâm sure their contributions will make for an interesting and informed debate This debate is very timely in view of the Plenary of the European Parliament debate/vote on 24 March (Strasbourg) on a report the Africa-EU strategy (drawn up by MEP Maria Martens). The report looks at how successfully Africa and EU have implemented the strategic partnership they signed up to in Lisbon in December 2007. Vodafone very much shares the importance the EP gives to the EU/Africa relationship. We hope that the new EP will continue activity in this area. Vodafone agrees with some key findings of the Parliamentary report and in particular: bridge the digital divide by stepping up cooperation on technology development and transfer, particularly concerning telephony and the Internet; take urgent action in the field of health as underlined in the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors January 2009 report on "EC Development Assistance to Health Services in Sub-Saharan Africa"; SLIDE 1- INTRO