WSIS FORUM 2023 INTERVIEWS: Action Line Facilitators #1

Introduction

The video starts with music and applause.

Action Line C4 on Capacity Building

Halima from the International Telecommunications Union talks about how their Action Line has evolved over the years, moving from digital skills to online learning engagements and now to discussion emissive technologies and data. They are currently engaging with ITC ILO to develop lifelong learning pathways for learners.

• Halima shares that they are discussing with ITC ILO on how they are operating in the space of future e-learning using holograms.

• Gitanjali congratulates Halima on all her efforts and asks for country examples of how they are implementing capacity building.

Economic Commission for Africa's Role in Wishes Process

Jean Paul Adams from the Economic Commission for Africa talks about the importance of regional commissions in implementing the Wishes process. He highlights progress made in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital identity, which link well with action lines and OASIS.

• Jean Paul emphasizes that one of the big advantages of The Wishes process is learning from each other's experiences.

• He mentions launching a regional center on artificial intelligence in Congo Brazzaville, reinforcing capacity of African countries on cybersecurity, addressing needs of countries on digital identity, tapping into international markets through maximizing e-commerce opportunities linked to productive capacity across continent.

Collaboration with LDC Countries

The speakers discuss ways to strengthen collaboration with LDC countries, including the implementation of a special prize focused on LDC countries.

Strengthening Collaboration

• A special prize focused on LDC countries could be a great idea.

• The speakers look forward to working together to implement this prize.

E-Agriculture Implementation

Tembani discusses the importance of e-agriculture implementation and shares key takeaways from their Action Line.

Key Takeaways

• Digital transformation is crucial for agriculture, especially in light of COVID-19.

• Initiatives such as those that assure data and digital solutions reaching farmers have been successful.

• Three flagship initiatives include Hand-in-hand, Digital Village, and Digital Agriculture and Innovation Hubs in Ethiopia, Morocco, Dominica, and Grenada.

• Capacity development is important for smallholder farmers and stakeholders to assimilate these technologies.

Key Challenge for Capacity Building Implementation

Gitanjali asks the speakers about the key challenge for capacity building implementation.

Key Challenge

• The key challenge is implementing capacity building initiatives.

Challenges of Implementing ICT Infrastructure in Hard-to-Reach Areas

The speakers discuss the challenges of implementing ICT infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas, such as rural communities. They highlight the need for resources, technical ability, and behavior change management to introduce basic digital skills.

Key Challenges

• Reaching hard-to-reach communities is a challenge due to resource requirements, technophobia, and behavior change management.

• Managing behavior change before introducing basic digital skills is a big challenge that requires collaboration and networking.

• The main challenge in Africa remains infrastructure gaps which are likely to worsen as investment decreases.

• The greatest challenge in agriculture is the food challenge which is multifaceted. E-agriculture can be used to solve this global issue by adopting technologies from resource-challenged countries.

Strategies for Implementing Digital and E-Agricultural Policies

The speakers discuss strategies for implementing digital and e-agricultural policies at a policy level that can help governments develop these strategies.

Key Strategies

• Work with stakeholders including ITU and other UN agencies to come up with strategies at a policy level that can help governments implement and develop digital and e-agricultural policies.

Investing in Agriculture and Producers

The speaker discusses the importance of investing in agriculture and producers, as well as the need for clear policies and rules of engagement.

Key Points

• Technology will keep changing, but clear policies and rules of engagement are necessary to ensure that farmers and other producers receive the right investments to produce more.

• Good investment requires looking at policy environments, capacity development actions, innovation, and financing models for digital solutions.

• The research process is a good platform for working together within the UN system to address challenges related to agriculture.

Importance of Capacity Building and Localization

The speaker emphasizes the importance of capacity building, localization, and cooperation in implementing e-agricultural policies.

Key Points

• Capacity building is essential for ensuring that e-agricultural policies are implemented effectively.

• Financing models for ICT's must be developed with good cooperation between stakeholders.

• Working together to ensure that e-agricultural policies are implemented well can help eliminate hunger.