Digital divide hampers access to information – Geingob
Today is World Access to Information Day
There is a need to strike a delicate balance between fostering open access to information and protecting the integrity of Namibia's digital environment, Geingob said.
President Hage Geingob has highlighted the digital divide as one of the major gaps in making access to information easier for Namibians.
Commemorating World Access to Information Day – which is celebrated worldwide today - he urged his government to address the digital divide urgently, with disparities persisting in various regions of the country.
The president highlighted that safeguarding digital freedoms, privacy and security - including tackling issues like cyberbullying and disinformation - are crucial, adding that there is a need to strike a delicate balance between fostering open access to information and protecting the integrity of Namibia’s digital environment.
“I call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector, to collaborate in creating an online space that is safe, accessible and inclusive for all Namibians. I also urge government institutions to champion transparency by availing information to the public, including the press.
“Let us also promote digital literacy and ensure that our citizens can navigate the internet with confidence, distinguishing between reliable sources and misinformation,” he said.
Boundless potential
The head of state also encouraged everyone to celebrate the boundless potential of the online space in advancing the nation. He stressed the importance of harnessing its power to promote transparency, accountability and socio-economic development.
It is his view that, together, Namibia can build a digital landscape where every citizen can freely access information online, turning collective dreams for a brighter future into reality.
“As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging the digital gap and ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in the digital era,” Geingob said.
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Commemorating World Access to Information Day – which is celebrated worldwide today - he urged his government to address the digital divide urgently, with disparities persisting in various regions of the country.
The president highlighted that safeguarding digital freedoms, privacy and security - including tackling issues like cyberbullying and disinformation - are crucial, adding that there is a need to strike a delicate balance between fostering open access to information and protecting the integrity of Namibia’s digital environment.
“I call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector, to collaborate in creating an online space that is safe, accessible and inclusive for all Namibians. I also urge government institutions to champion transparency by availing information to the public, including the press.
“Let us also promote digital literacy and ensure that our citizens can navigate the internet with confidence, distinguishing between reliable sources and misinformation,” he said.
Boundless potential
The head of state also encouraged everyone to celebrate the boundless potential of the online space in advancing the nation. He stressed the importance of harnessing its power to promote transparency, accountability and socio-economic development.
It is his view that, together, Namibia can build a digital landscape where every citizen can freely access information online, turning collective dreams for a brighter future into reality.
“As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging the digital gap and ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in the digital era,” Geingob said.
[email protected]
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