By Michael Mashiri
Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in all sectors of the economy and helps in the accomplishment of the three pillars of sustainable development goals, the Representative for Southern Africa, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has said.
Speaking at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) yesterday at a programme with the theme, ‘Improving people’s livelihoods through use of ICT’s, the Representative for Southern Africa, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Ms Tumelo Chali said ICT was an important aspect in a country as it had an effect on the accomplishment of the three pillars of sustainable development goals and affects all the sectors of the economy.
“ICT has influence in all sectors of the economy including education, health, agriculture, governance, trade and commerce among others and is a catalyst to the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development goals which are economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection,” she said.
She said to achieve this, they were doing trainings of people so that they will be able to be involved in the digital world as it would play a significant role in poverty reduction and help in value addition.
“We want everyone to be included in our digital economy, this will help in the reduction of poverty in the country and will help in value addition.
“We are doing trainings of people, including those living with disabilities, to make sure that everyone is engaged in the technological world,” said Chali.
Ms Chali said the ICU, which is a United Nations specialised agency for Information Communication Technology commonly known as ICT, had a major role in Zimbabwe of making sure that technology is available at a cheap price, through the help of the private and public sector and the development agency.
“ICU’s core role here in Zimbabwe is to ensure that ICT is accessed and the services are affordable, equitable and universal through assistance in policy and regulation development in partnership with the public and private sector and the development agency,” she said.
The ‘Improving people’s livelihoods through use of ICT’s program was held with the motive of facilitating public discussion among members of the United Nations Country Team and other development partners on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe to increase public awareness and engagement.