The
“ITU-Pakistan Digital Inclusion Week: Meaningful ICT for All" was organized
by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan
and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Islamabad, Pakistan. This event was supported by the Government of
Australia, represented by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) in their support to the ITU
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific to implement the ITU Asia Pacific
Regional Initiatives.
The Digital Inclusion week aims raise awareness and highlight the ongoing
digital inclusion initiatives led by the Ministry of Information Technology and
Telecommunication, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication
Union, to bridge the digital divide, particularly amongst people in vulnerable
situations such girls, children and persons with disabilities.
In promoting a multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach in digital development, this event will gather various stakeholders and partners that are supporting this effort. ITU-Pakistan Digital Inclusion Week: Meaningful ICT for All will highlight three ongoing digital inclusion initiatives:
Girls in ICT
Day Pakistan 2022 International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated worldwide every
year on the 4th Thursday of April (28 April 2022). Girls in ICT Day provides an
opportunity for girls and young women to see the benefits of ICT in enabling
their career and aspiration. To date, over 377,000 girls and young women have
taken part in more than 11,400 celebrations of International Girls in ICT Day
in 171 countries worldwide. The MOITT and the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) continued the collaboration in 2021, organizing the Girls in ICT
Day Pakistan, in partnership with the Pakistan Government, the United Nations,
GSMA, Code for Girls, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
In order to develop and implement a national
initiative making the internet safer for children and young people, to raise
awareness of the issues and to deal with them in a practical way, it is vital
to bring together all the key stakeholders and players. The international
collaboration and partnerships also help share the lessons learnt, and receive
international expert’s feedback to strengthen child online protection
mechanisms in Pakistan.
Accessible
Cybercafe for all The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication
(MoITT) aims to support the Persons with Disabilities by establishing an
Accessible Cybercafe for All and introduce digital skill programs to bridge the
digital divide. Digital skills will enable the persons having visual and
hearing impairment, mental illness, physical disability, autism and other
vulnerabilities, with ICT skills, and support their education, businesses, and
employment opportunities. ITU with the support of MOITT, Pakistan, is launching
the Accessible Cybercafe for all, and the Digital Literacy Training Program
that will mainstream ICT accessibility and digital skills.
Federal
Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haquee Inaugurated the
Ceremony of ‘Pakistan-ITU Digital Inclusion Week’ as the Chief Guest. He had
emphasized that increased awareness and interest in ICT and STEM subjects
amongst the stakeholders, enhance career progress and opportunities inclusively
through digital skills, leadership program , and strengthening the network of
program beneficiaries in Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific region through the Girls
in ICT Day Pakistan is very important .He had concluded his remarks by
appreciating the contribution of local and international stakeholders including
PTA, Huawei and Telecom Operators as PTCL, Jazz, Telenor, Ufone and others for
celebrating together the Digital week in Pakistan.
In her address the Guest of Honor Mrs. Atsuko Okuda Director ITU
APAC- appreciated the initiative and
arrangements made by IT Ministry and Government of Pakistan.Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja Special Assistance to Prime
Minister on Youth Affairs while addressing the ceremony also highlighted the
importance of Digital revolution is the shift from mechanical and analogue
electronic technology to digital electronics which began in the later of the
half of the 20th century that continues to the present day.She
also appreciated PTA, USF and Huawei along with many other organizations for
their Valuable contribution
Along with other dignitaries Mr. Julien Harneis, UN Resident
Coordinator & Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan also spoke at the event.
Ms. Ashleigh Light, Acting Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission,
Pakistan ensured best possible support by the High Commission.
Huawei CSO and CTO also addressed in this two days event, highlighted
our world need a secure and stable network environment.
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