Africa-Press – Lesotho. May 17th has been earmarked as the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). The day has been celebrated annually since 1969 to mark the foundation of
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the first international telegraph convention that was introduced in 1865. The 2021 theme is; “Accelerating Digital Transformation
in challenging times”. This day was earmarked to raise awareness on the possibilities that the use of the internet and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can bring to the society and economies as well
as ways to bridge the digital divide. The Lesotho National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Programme Coordinator Culture ‘Mabafokeng Seala
said UNESCO advocates for communication and information within the society. She further said the organization has a say in communication and information issues
as it has a sector that focuses on creating and enabling environment for freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of information. “UNESCO also
support for development of free, independent and pluralistic media,” she said. She added that it focuses on International Programmes for the Development of
Communication (IPDC) media projects and special initiatives and access to information and knowledge. UNESCO also focus on institutional excellence in journalism education and community media.
According to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is an opportunity for ITU members
to continue to push for digital transformation by promoting national strategies on ICT development, smart policies to encourage investments, cooperation and
partnerships. “ITU invites you to actively participate in commemorating the theme of WTISD 2021 which is ‘Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times’ throughout the year with national, regional and
international initiatives to accelerate digital transformation as highlighted in the call for action,” he said. He further said digital technologies sustain life, work, and health and learning for billions of people
and in the face of COVID-19, businesses, governments and the digital community have proven resilient and innovative, helping to protect lives and livelihoods.
He said these challenging times have accelerated the transformation everywhere. Guterres further said yet 3.7 billion people nearly half the world’s population remain unconnected to the Internet and of these, the
majority are women. “They too must be included if we are to make the possibilities of the (5th Generation mobile network) 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, digital health
and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable,” he said. He said they must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the
spread of hatred and misinformation to cyber-attacks and the exploitation of their data. He added that the UN, through a Roadmap for Digital Cooperation
and the vital work of the ITU aims to make the transformation equitable, safe, inclusive and affordable for all, with full respect for human rights. He said on WTISD, everyone should commit to work
together to defeat COVID-19 and ensure that digital technologies are a force for good that help them to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.
Through 2021 theme, ITU invites member states to continue leveraging telecommunications or ICTs by developing digital policies and strategies to adapt and respond timely and effectively to different challenges
that may occur. Sector members, associates and academia are invited to continue to facilitate cooperation and partnership in areas such as innovation,
infrastructure, investment, and capacity development to advance digital transformation for all. To share their technology-driven strategies, considering the
possible opportunities and challenges of digital transformation, and how these challenging times, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, can be used as an opportunity to connect all.
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