ICTs can play a vital role in improving the lives of people in the least-developed countries of the world, writes GIRISH LINGANNA.

World Telecommunications Day is an annual United Nations observance that celebrates the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in our lives. It is celebrated each year on May17, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.

The theme for World Telecommunications Day, 2023, is ‘Empowering the Least-Developed Countries through Information and Communications Technologies’. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of ICTs in helping bridge the digital divide and empowering people in the least-developed countries.

ICTs can play a vital role in improving the lives of people in the least-developed countries of the world. They can be used to provide access to education, healthcare and other essential services. ICTs can also be used to promote economic development and create jobs. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that everyone in the least-developed countries has access to ICTs. These challenges include:

1.      High costs of access

2.      Lack of infrastructure

3.      Lack of skills

4.      Lack of awareness

World Telecommunications Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of these challenges and to call for action to address them. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in bringing ICTs to the least-developed countries.

Here, in a nutshell, are some things everyone should know about World Telecommunications Day:

• It is celebrated annually on May 17
• The theme for World Telecommunications Day, 2023, is ‘Empowering the Least-Developed Countries through Information and Communications Technologies’
• ICTs can play a vital role in improving the lives of people in the least-developed countries
• There are still many challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that everyone in the least-developed countries has access to ICTs
• Infrastructure that a country requires to improve its information and communications systems includes:
• Reliable, affordable Net connection: This is the foundation of any ICT infrastructure. Without a reliable and affordable Internet connection, it is impossible to access and use other ICT services
• Robust telecommunications network: This includes a network of wired and wireless telecommunications infrastructure—such as cables, towers and routers. This network is essential for transmitting data and voice communications
• Adequate computing power: This includes computers, servers and other devices used to store, process and transmit data
• Knowledgeable and skilled workforce: This includes people with the knowledge and skills to design, build and maintain ICT infrastructure
• A supportive policy environment: This includes policies that encourage investment in ICT infrastructure and promote the use of ICTs

In addition to this infrastructure, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to the improvement of a country’s information and communications systems. These include:

a.       Strong government commitment: The government can play a key role in promoting the development of ICT infrastructure and services. This can be done through investment, regulations and public awareness campaigns

b.      Investments by private sector: The private sector can also play a major role in the development of ICT infrastructure. This can be done through the construction and operation of telecommunications networks, data centres and other ICT facilities

c.       International cooperation: Countries can also cooperate to share expertise and resources in order to improve their ICT infrastructure. This can be done through bilateral agreements, multilateral initiatives and the work of international organizations

The improvement of a country’s information and communications systems can have many benefits. By investing in ICT infrastructure, countries can improve their economic growth, education, healthcare, government services and social cohesion.

1)      Increased economic growth: ICTs can help to boost economic growth by improving productivity, efficiency and innovation

2)      Improved education, healthcare: ICTs can help improve education and healthcare by providing access to information and resources that were previously unavailable

3)      Enhanced government services: ICTs can help improve government services by making them more efficient, accessible and transparent

4)      Strengthened social cohesion: ICTs can help to strengthen social cohesion by providing a platform for communications and collaboration

However complex and challenging a task the improvement of a country’s information and communications systems is, the benefits of doing so are significant.

• The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political analyst.