11 December 2003
Speech by Mr. K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) during a press conference at the launch of the Global ePolicy Resource network (ePol-Net)
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me first start by saying how happy I am to attend the launch of the Global e-Policy Network (ePol-Net), here in Geneva, after having been part of the launch of the African regional node that is based in ECA.
Canada and ECA have had a long standing partnership in the field of development information as well as in other fields. I am happy to see that 25 years later the two institutions are still working ever closer together in advancing Information Society goals.
For the African continent the advent of ePol-Net is timely. This is because many countries are in the process of formulating, and a few, are finalizing the implementation of their national e-strategies and plans. ECA alone, under the framework of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) has assisted approximately 36 countries to date. Undoubtedly, these countries will require information on e-strategy expertise, guidance and advice through the services of ePol-Net.
We hope that there will be greater synergies and more partners coming to join the ePol-Net initiative for promoting ICT4 development activities in a more concerted way.
Earlier today I chaired a high level panel on regional strategies for promoting the Information Society with Ministers from Finland, Lebanon, Jamaica and Senegal. The issues raised from various regions of the world suggest that we all have similar challenges. I therefore urge ePol-Net to also think of addressing national e-strategies that support regional approaches to the Information Society. Such steps are becoming necessary as more countries begin to harmonize their policies in the sub-regions of Africa, for instance.
Finally,
ECA congratulates the Government of Canada and its partners:
The Governments of Ireland, Italy, France, Japan and the UK for this exemplary effort.
I thank-you.
Information:
aisi@uneca.org
© Copyright ECA 2003