The Ministry of Communication and Aviation in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will hold a consultation workshop on the development of the “Solomon Islands ICT Policy and Strategic Plan” in Honiara today.

The workshop is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to embrace the use of Information and Communication Technology as a key tool for the socio-economic development with the ultimate goal of improving the livelihood of Solomon Islanders.

The main purpose of the consultation workshop is to provide key stakeholders in the country an opportunity to discuss and provide input into the Draft National ICT Policy and Strategic plan.

“It is strongly believed that these plans should be developed and owned by Solomon Islanders as they have a better understanding of their own developmental priorities and how ICT can address our challenges and issues,” said Permanent Secretary, Francis Lomo.

Mr Lomo added that this consultation opportunity is an essential planning process for the people of Solomon Islands to be part of this key initiative to fully leverage the benefits provided by ICT to achieve national development goals.

The workshop will specifically examine and discuss the Draft National ICT Policy and Strategic Plan through priority development needs in the application of ICT in key sectors of development in Solomon Islands.

These will include the process of developing ICT for development policies and strategies, including building ICT capacity and governance and the development of various e-government applications to assist government in delivering more effective services.

- Source: solomontimes.com