| Thabane Opens ICT Stakeholders, UNCTAD Meeting | |
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"Reflecting on the the relation between science, technology and development
... indeed the question is no longer whether technology is necessary for
development, but whether in this day and age, development is possible
without science and technology. " Officially opening an Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) stakeholders meeting with a UNCTAD delegation currently visiting the country, the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr Motsoahae Thabane said the pervasive role of science and technology in driving the economy of modern nations in no longer in doubt. Lesotho therefore needs to invest more in science and technology in order to meet her socio-economic imperatives, particularly in addressing the prevailing poverty and HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Minister expressed appreciation of the initiatives undertaken towards establishing areas of cooperation, in the areas of science and technology, specifically, in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as articulating pragmatic strategies towards implementation of the national ICT and Science and Technology policies. Government is committed to
aligning itself with the global pursuits of an information society, though
there are some inherent challenges that face the country, emanating mostly
from geographic Mr. Thabane said the key challenge facing Lesotho is the digital divide within the country itself, between the capital Maseru and the rural communities, which limits the diffusion and access of services and information. "On the other hand, one cannot
overlook the increasing economic and digital gap that is evidenced between
Lesotho and developed countries, in terms of technological advancement (ICT
included). It may suffice to say, Lesotho cannot meet her national and
global challenges such as the UN 23 February 2005 |
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| source: LENA |