Mr Chairman,
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, 

I have only a few words to say, and these are words of gratitude. 

Firstly, to my fellow candidates for this post Cosmas and William, I would like to express my respect for each of you and your countries, both for the professional work you have done for the ITU and development, and for the dignity with which you have campaigned.

I also want to pay respect to the leadership of Brahima Sanou. Brahima, you have led this bureau through important years.

I would like to thank in particular Ambassador Strayer, FCC Chairman Pai and Assistant Secretary Redl and the United States’ Administration for putting me forward as a candidate, and for their leadership and incredible support (and that of your teams) throughout the campaign. I would also like to sincerely thank the private sector for their support.

It was a real team effort.

I also thank the many friends and colleagues from around the world who have given me support through this process, as well as my husband who has been my rock throughout and my children Cecilia, the triplets (Ana, Santiago and Alejandro), who have been so encouraging and patient. They understand that my pursuit is to make a positive difference and make lives better. 

That brings me to you, our Member States. I want to thank you for putting your trust in me to lead the ITU’s development work for the next four years.  It is a great honor for me and for my country. I have worked for this moment for so many years as my ideas about ICTs in development, and specifically for BDT, have grown.  I pledge to do my utmost to support you in further advancing your digital economies. 

Having been a staff member of the ITU for almost 25 years, I want to give a shout out to my SPM team, the BDT team and to all ITU colleagues.  It has been a privilege to be part of the staff and I look forward to continued cooperation with all of you. 

I also want to say a few words to my colleagues in BDT. I worked among you for many years before I moved to the General Secretariat. I believe in our mission. I believe in each of you individually, your commitment and your creativity. 

Together we can step up to make BDT even more effective for our Members. 

Lastly, Secretary General Zhao, Deputy Secretary General Johnson, and Director Lee. Congratulations on your brilliant reelection. I would like to extend my thanks to Director Sanou and Director Rancy I thank you for your cooperation and friendship. 

I am excited to be part of the ITU leadership team. I am honored to stand among you. 

The only thing I regret is that my father could not be here with me today.  Before he passed away I did have an opportunity to tell him that the US would be supporting me.

He would have been very proud.  I am sure he is looking down on us now.Ladies and gentlemen today we made history.  We broke the glass ceiling

I am so very grateful to you for all your support.