At the World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) conference in Gaborone,capital city of Botswana, the "Gaborone Declaration" proposal was adopted, which will be presented to the UNESCO general assembly.
The proposal focuses on how technology can be used to enhance development and eradicate poverty in developing countries.Presenting the project proposal, chairperson of the Programme Committee, Professor Dewald Roode told participants from more than 80 countries that it discusses critical issues of development such as the application of information communication and technology (ICT) in fighting poverty, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, access to education, the environment, as well as social, ethical and legal consequences of Information Technology (IT).
The conference under the theme: "ICT for accelerated development" addressed ways of utilising ITC for accelerated development in line with the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
On the role of ICT towards enhancing education, Roode underscored the importance of teachers in the dissemination of ICT knowledge.He noted that, if adequately utilised, ICTs would enhance the competence of teachers in the developing world through establishing innovative learning and knowledge communities.
Roode explained that if ICT is used to extend health care to remote and underdeveloped areas, it would strengthen health information systems within the developing world by building research networks to share best practice between developing and developed countries.
Roode also underscored the importance of ICT as an instrument for environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.In terms of governance, ICT can also be used to encourage e-governance and e-democracy initiatives, Roode said.
WITFOR participants represented NGOs, governments, business communities, IGOs and academia.
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