The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Japanese Funds-in-Trust launched a pilot project to assist member states in Africa and small island developing states in the implementation of last year's 4th IR Summit's recommendation and benefit from technologies.
The 4th IR Summit was hosted by Namibia.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation when she addressed the UNESCO General Conference in Paris.
Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi said the UNESCO-Japanese Funds-in-Trust initiative will also address the ethical risks through the development and piloting of an innovative tool: the readiness assessment methodology.
Namibia is included in this pilot project.
"Our passionate advocacy centres on the development of standards in this domain to ensure that technological advancements remain firmly rooted in a "human-centred approach." Our resolute commitment is to ensure that progress does not compromise the rights and well-being of humanity."
Dr. Kandjii-Murangi also underlined the importance of access to information in the midst of fighting digital divide gaps.
"For a small yet diverse nation like mine, inclusivity for equitable access to information and knowledge is so critical. Namibia, therefore, welcomes and commends the consolidated report on the implementation by Member States of the 2003 Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace."
With regard to media freedom, the minister stated that Namibia does not take for granted its Number 1 ranking in Africa and Number 22 ranking in the world on the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Border.
She added that Namibia continuously strives to create a conducive environment for the free flow of information and knowledge.
The 42nd General Conference's President is Romania's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu.
Former Information and Communication Minister Stanley Simaata also served as President of the 38th session of the General Conference.