By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Aug 19, GNA- Some youths in the Upper West region have appealed to government and digital stakeholders to increase investment in infrastructure and initiatives to ensure equitable access regardless of geographical location someone’s
They recognized that digital technology was not just a tool, but a catalyst for change and the key to navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
It has therefore become imperative to equip young people with the digital skills necessary to promote sustainable development in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, education and entrepreneurship.
This was made in a youth announcement in Wa during a regional conference to mark this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) with the theme: From Clicks to Progress: Digital Youth Marches for Sustainable Development”.
A coalition of youth networks and youth-led organisations, including the Coalition for Positive Impact, Curious Minds Ghana, MAGVIN Research Institute and Necessary Aid Alliance, among others, organized the conference in partnership with the Wa Municipal Division of the National Youth Authority, Ghana Library Authority. and KHARD Global Limited.
“While the potential of digital technologies is immense, it is also important to recognize the disparities that exist in access to these tools.
The digital divide remains a major barrier to progress, particularly in rural areas,” the statement said.
He praised the efforts of young entrepreneurs and innovators who were using digital technologies to tackle local challenges.
Young people reaffirmed their commitment to promoting digital pathways for sustainable development as they look forward to creating a better future for all.
“We call on government, the private sector, civil society and development partners to work with us to create an enabling environment for digital innovation.
This includes policy reforms, investment in digital infrastructure, and the creation of platforms for knowledge sharing and capacity building,” the statement said.
Mr. Abass Ridwan Dauda, former Member of Parliament for Sissala East Constituency, in a speech, highlighted the importance of digital technology in bridging the unemployment gap in the country.
He explained that enhancing the digital skills of the youth in the country will enable them to move into the digital age of the 21st century and actively participate in the sector to contribute to national development.
The event, which was to celebrate the strides made in digital innovation, also sought to highlight the critical role of young people in harnessing digital technologies for social and economic progress and job creation.
Dozens of young people, including students and youth activists attended the conference, which included panel discussions on: Youth Digital Pathways in Advancing the SDGs’, speeches and networking among young people.
GNA
