In an activity organized by the Puerto Rico chapter of the Internet Society in conjunction with the Bayamón Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), the executive director of the Smart Island Program and Assistant Secretary of the Government for Innovation, Information, Data and Technology, Enrique Völckers-Nin, read the Proclamation of the Governor, Pedro R. Pierluisi, which declares November 1, as Internet Day.

“This Proclamation supports the efforts we have made to provide high speed internet to all of Puerto Rico. Governor Pedro Pierluisi has been emphatic about the importance of closing the digital divide on the island, so we continue to develop projects that help improve telecommunications infrastructure and ensure affordable access to high speed Internet for all Puerto Ricans,” said Völckers-Nin.

The governor's proclamation emphasizes the importance of the Internet in all areas of human endeavor and of reducing the digital divide to provide access to Internet connection to a greater number of people, in order to promote the socio-economic development of Puerto Rico. It also highlights the need to preserve, protect and strengthen the Internet network in order to ensure development, security, stability and future and absolute access for the benefit of all.

For Norberto Cruz, president of the Board of Directors of the Internet Society of Puerto Rico, “the celebration of Internet Day in Puerto Rico on November 1, 2023, is an opportunity to advance our mission to promote an open, safe and accessible Internet for all our citizens. It also provides us with the opportunity to educate different communities about the adoption of new technologies, bridge the digital divide, promote digital inclusion and expand collaboration between diverse actors in our vibrant digital ecosystem.”

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Meanwhile, for Dr. Miguel Vélez Rubio, rector of the UPR-Bayamón and coordinator of the event, “for us at the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamón it has been an honor to receive such distinguished guests as part of Internet Day 2023, the official event of the Internet Society, Chapter of Puerto Rico. We thank Secretary Enrique Völckers-Nin for giving us the Governor's Proclamation, and to the speakers who participated in WIA and 5G Americas. We are excited about the agreement we have signed with 5G Americas and that the AECC will join as a Student Chapter of ISOC PR.”

The Internet, among other things, makes it possible to collaborate globally, to disseminate ideas, it allows the exchange of knowledge, it helps to establish social and commercial ties, it provides entertainment and motivates innovation, allowing the integral and intellectual development of all citizens.

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