The first-ever Commonwealth ICT ministers Forum held in London is expected to generate an agreement on a strategy for advancing broadband across the 53-country membership.
Additionally, the ministers are also expected to review recommendations for a pan-Commonwealth cyber-governance model and consider ways to improve access to technology for users with disabilities. Cyber-security and cyber-crime will also be discussed.
The two day event jointly organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the Commonwealth secretariat had over 30 Commonwealth countries in attendance, with representation from large Commonwealth nations.
The meeting follows endorsement by heads of government last year of a multi-stakeholder partnership between the Commonwealth secretariat, the CTOs and the international telecommunication union to develop national broadband policies and strategies and help bridge the digital divide.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said the explosive growth of the internet has revolutionised global access to knowledge, networks, business opportunities and expanding markets, transcending national boundaries. Widespread access to social media brings new immediacy to politics and governance, with elevated expectations of transparency and accountability.
By exchanging experience and insights on a vast variety of subjects, whether an opportunity or a threat, and many other ICT-related issues, we continue a rich Commonwealth tradition.”
Ahead of the meeting, Omobola Johnson, Nigerian minister of communications technology and chair of the Commonwealth ICT ministers forum said: “I very much look forward to the inaugural Commonwealth ICT ministers forum and am certain that this event will strengthen pan-Commonwealth co-operation while helping to build consensus on ICT matters at a global scale.”
