Telecommunications: Algiers Declaration advocates provision of universal connectivity in Africa

Telecommunications: Algiers Declaration advocates provision of universal connectivity in Africa
 
ALGIERS-The 6^th Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) wrapped up Tuesday evening with the Final Declaration of Algiers, in which the participants pledged to accelerate the expansion and provision of universal access and connectivity across Africa.
After their two-day meetings chaired by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, African sector ministers from ATU member countries also pledged, Karim Bibi Triki, to accelerate the expansion and supply universal access and connectivity to unserved and underserved areas to achieve digital transformation.
They committed to improving secure access to quality ICTs at fair and affordable prices, regardless of location, while paying particular attention to women, girls, children, the elderly and disabled people and/or with special needs.
The participants also pledged to spare no effort to accelerate the development of strategies and ICT recovery plans to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and disasters linked to climate change.
The African ministers also committed to cooperating in the development of a common digital policy on the security of networks and information systems to ensure cybersecurity on the African continent.
They agreed to appoint African candidates to leadership positions in international ICTs organizations.
The ATU member countries also pledged to ensure innovation, youth participation, and involvement in decision-making to address Africa's current and future challenges, such as poverty and unemployment.
They urged continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress made in bridging the digital divide by achieving the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDGs).
On this occasion, Kenyan John Omo was re-elected as Secretary General of the ATU for a four-year term.
The 6th Algiers ATU Plenipotentiary Conference, which was also held in anticipation of the next ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, scheduled for next September in Romania, was preceded by meetings on July 18 in Algiers.