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In its effort to ensure the participation of all stakeholders
in Information Society development, the ICT and Science Technology
Division (ISTD) has been engaged in supporting and mobilising
African Youth in the implementation of the AISI through their
national and regional Youth networks. These networks addressed
issues such as the role of the Youth in Information Society
development, and challenges and opportunities in ICT4D.
The
role of ICTs in supporting Africa’s young people has
been highlighted by the ECA-led African Information Society
Initiative (AISI) since its inception in 1996, as well as
the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
As
part of this exercise, and in preparation to the fifth African
Development Forum (ADF V), which is focusing on the theme
“Youth and leadership in the 21st century”, ISTD
organised online discussions aimed at creating a platform
for African Youth to share experiences and knowledge in order
to help develop innovative approaches to their needs and to
establish a dialogue with public and other stakeholders in
devising and implementing the Information Society initiatives
at country and regional levels. The discussions were focused
on issues such as policies and strategies, education, employment,
and entrepreneurship.
Over
200 young people from all over Africa participated in the
discussions for over a period of one year defining the agenda
for their active participation in national and regional Information
Society initiatives. The views expressed and concrete recommendations
made by the participants as well as quotes from statements
made, were compiled in a publication entitled “African
Youth Speak on the Information Society”.
For
more information, please contact Thierry Amoussougbo (tamoussougbo@uneca.org).
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