By Khulile Thwala
United Nations Eswatini Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, has urged emaSwati to help close the digital gap for an equitable and sustainable future in commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
He said the day comes at a time of great progress and persisting challenges in the telecommunications and information space across the globe, particularly among least developed countries (LDCs), including the Kingdom of Eswatini.
At the midway point of the 2030 Agenda, digital transformation and connectivity are critical to rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Read More: Eswatini could benefit from digital evolution-World Bank
“We have expanded in leaps and bounds, and while we are on the verge of the age of the grey space of Artificial Intelligence for some, for others, basic connectivity remains a dream. We must remember our commitment to #leavenoonebehind,” stated Wachira.
This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society theme is ‘Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies’, which according to the resident coordinator, could not have come at a better time.
He welcomed the ambitious new programme of action to deliver sustainable development for all by 2030 that came out of the fifth conference on LDCs in March this year and was graced by His Majesty King Mswati III.
Read More: King’s 4-pronged approach to bridging the digital divide
“In his roadmap for Digital Cooperation, the UN Secretary-General has emphasised that it is essential to seize the opportunities of digital technology while protecting against its risks.
“The reality is that 2.9 billion across the globe still lack online access and one-third are in LDCs. The international telecommunication union (ITU) has a vital role to play in accelerating global connectivity for all by 2030,” highlighted Wachira.
