11 December 2003
Many Speakers Support Creation of Digital Solidarity Fund
During WSIS, several speakers said that to cope with the problem of the digital divide, a Digital Solidarity Fund should be created to assist developing countries in gaining access to ICTs, which they were now unable to obtain due to lack of resources. The root cause of the digital divide, poverty, which did not allow developing countries to enjoy universal access to the information society, should be tackled. Many said that the digital divide should be bridged and international cooperation in that field should be strengthened.
Speakers also emphasized the importance of the protection of the freedom of expression and information in the information society, and that ICTs should help ensure such freedoms.
ABDOULAYE WADE, President of Senegal, said that due to lack of wealth and the digital divide, people were communicating less. The digital divide was mainly affecting developing countries and equity in that manner should be applied. The programmes enshrined in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) might allow African countries to cope with their communication deficiencies. All African countries should move forward within the same line through the use of ICTs. Africa had competent human resources; and the implementation of liberal policies might be beneficial. The NEPAD was bringing new visions to Africa through its ambitious development programmes. However, concrete solutions had not yet been found to situations that were dragging Africa back into its previous slavery era. African traders were unable to sell their products because of failing prices. Because of the non-regulatory principles in cotton trading, African cotton producers had less access to the international cotton market.
Information:
aisi@uneca.org
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