Africa-Press – Lesotho. Minister of Information, Communications, Science, technology and Innovation Ms. Nthati Moorosi has urged for a unified position in ensuring that Africa’s priorities; green digital future, closing connectivity gaps and advancing development agenda are reflected in the final global outcome.
Ms. Moorosi made the remarks at the opening of Africa Region’s Pre-WSIS+20 Information Meeting in New York, USA on Sunday where she said they should abandon any hint of divergence and decisively embrace a single unified position.
The meeting was part of the preparatory process for the WSIS+20 General Assembly Overall Review which will take place on December 16 to 17.
It aimed to finalize draft guidelines for African Union member states which Lesotho is part of ahead of the WSIS+20 Review negotiations. It has convened representatives from Member States and international partners to refine Africa’s common position and ensure a unified African voice in global discussions.
Minister Moorosi said speaking with one voice, their volume is amplified and essential demands become undeniable saying as ministers they hold a unique and highly advantageous position today that they must capitalize on.
She said it is not a coincidence that the overall global review process is being Co-Facilitated by a Permanent Representative from their own continent and simultaneously, a key position chairing a related preparatory process within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also comes from the African continent, but strategic opportunities.
She emphasised that if they present a fragmented or divided front, these influential positions will be neutralized and rendered ineffective, but, if they unite and adopt these guidelines as their single negotiating mandate, thus gives their representatives the strongest possible mandate to leverage these influential positions to decisively advance Africa’s interests.
“We must not be divided. Our unity is their ultimate strength. Ministers, the time for consultation is over. It is now time for adoption and action. Let us demonstrate to the world that when it comes to Africa’s digital future, we can speak with one powerful, cohesive, and decisive voice”, she stressed.
She said this meeting is a defining moment for the African continent in the global digital landscape in which they are there to secure the adoption of these developed guidelines as the single, unified position for all African Union Member States in the ongoing negotiations.
She mentioned that for months, experts and dedicated individuals worked diligently to craft this foundational document, reminding them that this document is now theirs. “It is a position forged by collective will, not one that was imposed. We convened two intensive consultative meetings where every Member State’s priorities and unique perspective were integrated”.
She added that they held a Ministerial Virtual Session specifically to give high-level strategic direction to the entire endeavour. She said the reports from their Permanent Representatives are crystal clear: the negotiations are complex, the stakes are high, and the global environment is intensely competitive and different from what they were accustomed to.
She acknowledged the instrumental active, constructive and highly dedicated role played by the African Group Permanent Representatives and the AU Observer Mission in New York in the intense negotiations including within the powerful Group of 77 plus China saying the success is a testament to focused leadership.
Meanwhile the meeting also focused on Africa’s digital priorities and positions aligning with broader international strategies including the Baku World Telecommunication Development Conference Action Plan.
Minister Moorosi is accompanied by the Principal Secretary Mr. Kanono Ramashamole.
