Namibia

Congregating here today presents a unique opportunity for us to deliberate on and influence policy requirements that shape the ICT sector in adapting to emerging technologies/telecommunications/ICTs. It is no doubt that rapid technological advancements pose challenges in terms of availability, adaption, accessibility, and usage. Nations should heavily invest in broadband development and deployment in order to bridge the ditidal divide between urban and rural areas, especially of developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven the importance and criticality of ICT to achieve sustainable development. We are witnessing how many our citizens especially the young population is dependent on telecommunications/ICTs. Our joint focus should therefore aim at ensuring that our citizens are safe and they privacy are protected while online. We have seen how the traditional communications has exponentially evolved in recent years.  This gathering is a testimony of such a shift we need to embrace moving forward.  We therefore need to redouble our efforts and collaborate to continuous harness skills development for all our citizens to full embrace technological development which will eventually narrow the skills gaps between developed and developing countries.

Namibia is grateful for the role International Telecommunication Union plays in creating platforms such as these and for helping its Member States develop responsive Policy frameworks in this ever changing technological evolution.  We should therefore open hearteltedly embrace these opportunities available for the betterment of the globe.