"Mobility has transformed the way people live and conduct their lives. Today, there are more than 1.2 billion mobile phone subscriptions globally - and more mobile phones in use in the world today than fixed connections," said Ollila. "In the coming years, mobile telephony will open the door to hundreds of millions currently without telephone service of any kind by offering low-cost access to communication networks."
New technologies are removing transaction barriers between economies and people, and increasing the efficiency of business and creating value. They are also increasing economic and societal activity.
Ollila encouraged companies to behave in a responsible manner by taking care of the environmental impact of their products and their production processes: "By conducting business in a responsible way, socially responsible companies can make a significant contribution towards sustainable development, at the same time building a strong foundation for economic growth."
The improved opportunities for eco-efficiency that mobile communications brings, allows business to produce better results from using less material and energy. However, the commercial benefits that mobile communications bring pale into insignificance when compared to the overall good they bring to the global community.
And it is not only in developed countries where the benefits of mobile technologies are being felt. New mobile technologies are being used in all parts of the globe to improve quality of life and support the well being of people. An efficient mobile communications infrastructure has proven to be a major driver for economic growth and competitiveness in developing countries.
"Mobile technologies can provide low-cost access to communication networks - offering service at a substantially lower cost than fixed connectivity," said Ollila. "It is imperative that developing and developed countries - and our industries and our people - work together to build a 'digital bridge' that will allow all to participate in a truly worldwide knowledge economy."
A complete transcript of Ollila's speech will be available at http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,5184,327,00.html
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
About Nokia and WWF
In June 2003, Nokia signed and agreement with WWF to launch stakeholder dialogue and a new learning initiative for Nokia employees around the world. Nokia and WWF are conducting training workshops and seminars on environmental issues for Nokia employees to facilitate active dialogue and exchange on environmental issues.
Further information:
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