THAT Information and knowledge is a staple of the globalising world economy. Freedom of expression and access to information are essential for development, national identity and democracy.
Affordable access is a prerequisite for any knowledge and information society.
There is no single blueprint and there may be different paths to success, however a vision and appropriate national strategies, policies and plans are indispensable. Rapid technological change in the information sector puts cultural identities and diversity at risk. Shortages of personnel with the necessary skills and expertise constrain the production of new content as well as the processing and distribution of existing knowledge. Technological literacy and fluency is increasingly a requirement for success. Information technologies must be harnessed to induce individual creativity and innovation, and for equitable social advancement globally.