Maseru, Sep. 26—Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi says digital literacy has to be prioritized.
She was speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) lunch roundtable with Microsoft and UN-OHRLLS where she pleaded for regional support and collaboration in improving digital literacy, citing that rural communities in Lesotho still need digital education as they become resistant to change.
The Minister expressed her interest to have the government of Lesotho form a partnership with Microsoft as she pointed out that the latter takes more than half of the government’s budget to pay for licenses.
Furthermore, she mentioned challenges that all can get leverage on such as satellite and wireless technology, that include investment in digital infrastructure, digital IT systems, online payment gateways, and data exchange systems.
The roundtable lunch conversation was among governments of landlocked developing countries, the private sector, United Nations (UN) representatives, and other development partners who explored how partnerships with the private sector can best support digital development opportunities, particularly around digital connectivity and infrastructure for the countries.
The conversation was led by Chris Sharrock, Vice President, UN and International Organizations, Microsoft and Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima.
UN-OHRLLS will serve as a first step to bridge the challenges and opportunities of partnerships and investments in the least developing countries and lead towards the Private Sector Action Document at the Third UN conference.
Stakeholders will bring insights on scalable solutions and their expertise, technology, and resources as they look to close the digital divide and ensure artificial intelligence and digital technologies are democratized broadly leaving no one behind.
Ends
