Delegates at the ongoing Internet Governance Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia have said internet access is pivotal to Africa's economic and social transformation, making it vital for governments to invest in digital technologies.
While addressing the forum on Tuesday, Antonio Pedro, acting executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, said partnerships and collaboration in boosting digital connectivity in Africa are key as the continent endeavors on the path of economic transformation with the operationalization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
"Digitalization is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN's Agenda 2063, and achieving that requires the contribution of all stakeholders. We have identified opportunities for all stakeholders to participate, for example, we are helping our member states to formulate national AfCFTA strategies," Pedro said.
Convened by the United Nations and held between Nov 28 and Dec 2, the forum has brought together people and organizations from all over the world to exchange knowledge on how to maximize opportunities presented by the internet and address risks and challenges.
"Governments, tech companies and social media platforms have a responsibility to prevent online bullying and deadly disinformation that undermines democracy, human rights and science," Guterres said.
Li Junhua, United Nations Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, underscored the importance of digital access and the critical role of the forum as a platform for exchange and promoting good practices, adding the forum can accelerate universal connectivity by creating new partnerships and generating new ideas.
The forum, which is running under the theme 'Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future', will address the development of a resilient, sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure. In particular, it will tackle the use of advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and its consequent risks, ensuring new innovations are developed and deployed in a human-centric manner.
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Above article is from China Daily