By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
South
Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to the World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS), describing the process as a guiding framework for the country’s
digital development over the past two decades.
Speaking
during the opening statements of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level
Meeting of the WSIS+20 Review, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and
Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said WSIS has served as a “compass” for
the country’s digital journey. He noted that the framework has helped shape
national efforts to harness information and communication technologies for
inclusive development.
Minister
Malatsi stated that South Africa supports the continuation of the WSIS process
and is prepared to work collaboratively with international partners to ensure
the next phase delivers tangible public value. He emphasized that the future of
WSIS must focus on helping countries convert digital potential into real
socio-economic benefits for their citizens.
He
further stressed the importance of inclusivity, underscoring that digital
transformation efforts should ensure that no individual or community is left
behind. The remarks were delivered as part of global discussions assessing
progress made since the adoption of WSIS outcomes and charting a path forward
for international digital cooperation.
