Tuesday, September 16, 2025
24.1 C
Lagos

Inclusion Must be a High Priority in Commonwealth ICT Agendas- says Professor Tim Unwin

Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation has warned that the growth of ICTs is causing greater inequalities, further excluding the poorest and most marginalised.

Unwin, who was speaking at the 32nd National Information Technology Conference of Sri Lanka on the 25 – 27, August said the same phenomenon is also taking place in some of the richest societies.

All stakeholders, especially governments, have an important role to play in helping to empower marginalised groups through more accessible and affordable ICTs, he said.

To address this challenge, countries could focus their efforts on:
• Developing appropriate multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve common goals for poverty reduction;
• Addressing more rigorously crime in cyberspace by implementing the new Commonwealth Cyber-governance Framework adopted by Commonwealth ICT Ministers in March 2014;
• Committing to technical solutions that focus explicitly on the needs of the poorest and most marginalised.
He proposed seven key agendas for computer scientists:
• Concentrating on inclusive design, and ensuring accessibility for all;
• Designing “with” rather than “for” the poor;
• Combining technology with wider socio-political agendas, and developing innovative regulatory models;
• Identifying better ways of delivering affordable access;
• Focus on low power devices and better batteries;
• Development of poverty relevant software; and
• Creating more sustainable and renewable technological solutions.

“I am impressed to see how long this event has been going on for. It shows how committed Sri Lanka has been in using ICTs for the economic and social empowerment of Sri Lankans and this serves as a good example to other Commonwealth countries”, Professor Unwin said.

The event has been organised annually by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka since 1982.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Designing the Future: Arc Christian Benimana, Prof Taibat Lawanson to Headline Ecobank Design and Build 2025

Ecobank Nigeria has announced that celebrated architect Arc. Christian...

Sovereign Trust Insurance Wins Enactus Catalyst Award

From L-R: Victor Akinfala, Head Partnerships & Special Projects,...

SEC DG: Commission Considering Gradual Implementation of ISSB Standards

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission...

Universal Insurance MD/CEO, Jeff Duru, Bags CIBN Associate Membership

  Dr. Jeff Duru Managing Director/CEO Universal Insurance Plc The Managing Director/CEO of...

Sterling One Foundation CEO, Olapeju Ibekwe, Joins Board of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria Ahead of UNGA 80

    Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation,...

Topics

Stanbic IBTC Donates N250m in the Fight Against COVID-19

    Yinka Sanni CEO Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a...

ISSB-Aligned Disclosures Will Lower Capital Costs, Attract Global Investors — SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled plans...

SIM Boxing: Threat to Govt, Telecom Operators’ Revenue

In 2016, it was estimated that telecom companies in...

Hero Lager Presents Echefula, Never Forget Your Identity

Hero lager, a leading quality beer brand from the...

INEC Commends Anambra Voters for Success of Nov 6 Governorship Election

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has...

Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

Polaris Bank's commitment to digital innovation and excellence has...

$60m Sealink Project: Integrating African Economies by Sea

The ground-breaking $60 million Private Placement Offer for the...

BudgIT, EiE, Paradigm Initiative Plan 5th New Media, Citizens, Governance Confab

BudgIT, Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria) and Paradigm...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img