The Internet has become a critical tool for national cohesion and poverty eradication in national development, said minister of communications Roy Padayachie, at the Ministerial Forum on Internet Governance, in Kenya, yesterday.
The Department of Communications (DOC) says the forum, which is the first in a series of high-level ministerial forums on Internet for Development in Africa, aims to foster meaningful debate for developing countries on the importance of Internet governance, as well as Internet policy.
The outcomes will be shared at the 6th Annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Conference, which takes place this week.
This is the first time that the global IGF - under the theme “Internet as a catalyst for Change: Access, Development, Freedom and Innovation” - takes place in Africa, says the DOC.
Networked lives
“It is already widely recognised that investment by developing countries in ICTs yields positive multiplier effects towards economic growth,” said Padayachie.
He added that there are many areas in which the use of the Internet offers the possibility of supporting the more efficient and extensive provision of key services, such as e-government, e-education and e-health.
These are areas that can directly impact on the wellbeing of people. In addition, the Internet is a dynamic environment that allows for innovation and the development of new solutions by society as a whole, where the impact of the Internet has been apparent in social, political and economic transformation.
“The Internet is changing the way we do things, both nationally and globally. I am not just referring to political upheavals in some countries, where ICTs played a role. It is also apparent in the use of social networking by our young people as part of their daily lives.
“The Internet has had a major influence as a modern device on the architecture of our economies, the architecture of our societies and in the development of human capital and the enhancement of knowledge within society,” said the minister.
Government role
He also said the Internet has clearly had a huge impact on public policy.
“It is our view that governments have to be involved in the development of public policy to ensure the Internet develops in ways that offer the most benefit to humankind.”
“I would like to emphasise the need for inclusivity in the global system, and for fair and transparent multilateral decision-making, so that all countries, including developing countries, can participate in addressing public policy issues that pertain to the Internet.
“Decisions concerning Internet governance, cyber security and the future of the Internet cannot just be the preserve of the powerful and dominant vested interests.”
Safety first
The minister said it is critical that the international community collectively addresses issues of cyber security, cyber crime and issues affecting children, including access to inappropriate content and child pornography.
“These issues have to be addressed at a policy level and in an inclusive manner. People engaging in illegal activities on the Internet can't be allowed to exist outside of legal frameworks and jurisdictions.
“Similarly, all countries have the right not to be cut off from the Internet by any country or agency. We can't actively promote the use of the Internet and development of the information society, without addressing these issues.”
Padayachie emphasised that governments have to ensure the Internet will be safe and secure for everyone, and must pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, including youth, women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly.
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