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On the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), Dr Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services emphasised the role played by ICTs to stimulate sustainable development.
The day was declared by UNESCO on 17 November 2015.
Speaking in Chimanimani yesterday, Dr Muswere said the day is an important reminder of the need to ensure that the public has access to information in order to accelerate development at the individual, community and national levels as envisaged by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in ensuring public access (SDG16.10), investment in infrastructure and technology development to facilitate universal access (SDG9.1 and 9c), skills development, innovation, and knowledge sharing (SDG17 and 17.6) to foster socio-economic growth and environmental links between urban and rural areas is impossible without ICTs.
“This year for Zimbabwe it is a triple celebration as we also launch the UNESCO proclaimed Information for All Committee (IFAP) which is chaired by our Ministry. I am advised that the IFAP Committee will focus on projects based on Open Source Software (FOSS), Open Educational Resources (OER) as well as the use of ICTs for more equitable access to information, including for people with disabilities among other initiatives in the cyberspace. These initiatives are a testament to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa. His Excellency identified a digital economy as key to achieving vision 2030 and mandated his Ministry of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services to leave no one unconnected in the digital era. We are therefore well on our way to creating Universal and Equitable Access to ICTs for all Zimbabweans.
“There are also efforts by my counterpart Hon M. Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to enhance universal access through the licensing of the community radio stations. This is very important particularly in this area of Chimanimani where infrastructure and lives were lost due to the 2019 cyclone Idai and the effects are still felt up to today.”
He paid tribute to efforts by UNESCO and other development partners to create inclusive knowledge societies anchored on universal access to information; quality education for all and embracing cultural and linguistic diversity. He alluded to the Smart Zimbabwe Master Plan that prioritises these pillars and recognises them as being key for sustainable economic development. Genuine knowledge societies are premised on the capability to access relevant information.
In pursuit of the new trajectory of accelerated economic growth and wealth creation and the Government’s vision 2030 to achieve a digital and middle-class economy, the Government formulated the National Development Strategy1 putting ICTs at the centre of national development to empower communities by making it possible for them to access information to exploit the economic opportunities in the country.
In line with this economic thrust, the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is focused on the development of a supportive enabling communications infrastructure to ensure equitable access by all citizens including disadvantaged groups and rural communities. Recently through NetOne, a base station was put up at Machongwe Growth Point in Chimanimani so that the community will continue to witness more of such efforts to ensure that everyone is connected and has access to information.
“Our Ministry is also setting up Community Information Centres and equipping schools with ICT equipment in order to increase access. This infrastructure facilitates access to information and improves communication and access in sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, transportation, and public service delivery among other areas. Government is ready to mitigate against the unnecessary loss of life by availing adequate access to relevant information and education through ICTs.
“While the benefits arising from the resultant digital interactions between individuals, economies and nations must be applauded, we must remain alive to the potential dangers that lurk in cyberspace. As actors in this domain, we have a collective responsibility to promote digital safety and security as a pre-condition in online environments particularly for our youths as they take deep dives into this ocean of information. Our Ministry is working on the re-alignment of ICT sector legislation, policies and regulatory instruments to facilitate ethical, secure, and safe access to information,” Dr Muswere added.