The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr. Siyabonga Cwele to attend the Internet Governance Forum 2016 and undertake a Benchmarking Study in Mexico
The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Dr Siyabonga Cwele is leading the South African delegation to the 11th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) that is being held in Mexico from 5- 9 December 2016.
The Internet Governance Forum is a multiparty forum that is held under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss issues around governance of the internet and how to close the digital divide between developed and emerging countries and within countries. Topic to be covered include the following:
- Assessing the role of Internet Governance in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
- Bridging the Gender Divide
- Local content and sustainable development
- Connecting the next billion
- Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Accelerating the Digital Transformation
- Inclusive Development & Digital Transformation
- Security and Privacy issues in the Internet.
The IGF brings together governments, regulators, private sector, internet services providers and civil society members from throughout the world.
South Africa’s participation is informed by the outcomes of the National IGF meeting that was held in September 2016 and the African IGF meeting that was hosted by the South African Government in partnership with the African Union in October 2016.
As part of the visit to Mexico, Minister Cwele is scheduled to meet his Mexican counterpart, the Mexican Telecommunications regulator, Mexican telecommunications operators and the Mexican telecommunications sector industry chamber.
The meetings are aimed at sharing information and best practices in implementing Information and Communications policies in a manner that ensures socio-economic inclusion, universal access and lowering the costs of communications.
For confirmation and interview requests please contact:
Siya Qoza
Cell: 082 898 1657
E-mail: siya@dtps.gov.za
