By: Lebohang Maluke

MASERU – World Development Information Day is observed each year on October 24th. This day emphasizes the importance of enhancing the distribution of information and engaging public opinion, particularly among the youth.

The main objective of improving information dissemination and mobilizing public sentiment is to raise awareness regarding developmental challenges. When global attention is directed towards these issues, nations are better positioned to address them effectively.

The General Assembly recognizes that information and communication technologies play a crucial role in tackling development challenges, particularly in the era of globalization. Innovative solutions to these challenges can stimulate economic growth, broaden access to information and knowledge, enhance social inclusion, and contribute to the eradication of poverty.

In 2016, global leaders introduced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which encompasses 17 sustainable development goals, including: Eradicating poverty, ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture also ensuring healthy lives and well-being. They also include providing inclusive and quality education, achieving gender equality, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation and guaranteeing affordable energy access 

To realize these goals, the United Nations (UN) must enhance its communication and information-sharing strategies. World leaders are optimistic that advancements in modern technology will facilitate the achievement of these objectives.

The UN organizes a range of events that address development challenges and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. These events encompass educational seminars and conferences. Given the focus on disseminating information, many of these gatherings are tailored for journalists across various media platforms.

In preparation for World Development Information Day, consider how you can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals within your community. Engage in discussions about the significance of raising awareness and shaping public opinion to meet specific objectives. Reflect on how advancements in technology and communication facilitate global development. Utilize social media to promote awareness with the hashtag #WorldDevelopmentInformationDay.

World Development Information Day was established by the United Nations in 1972. The Assembly chose to align this day with United Nations Day, both of which are celebrated on October 24th. This date also marks the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade by the UN in 1970.

The monitoring framework established to support Agenda 2030 encompasses 232 distinct indicators that address a comprehensive range of development issues. These issues include societal, economic, and environmental dimensions, as well as the coordination of institutions.

Mogens Lykketoft, who served as President of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, characterized this framework as an ‘unprecedented statistical challenge.’

The Assembly recognized that enhancing the dissemination of information and engaging public opinion, particularly among youth, would foster a deeper understanding of development challenges. This, in turn, would encourage increased efforts in international cooperation for development.

The Declaration of the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN in September 2015, emphasizes the necessity of high-quality, accessible, timely, and reliable disaggregated data to track progress and ensure that no individual is overlooked.

Information and communications technologies hold significant potential to address development challenges, especially in the context of globalization. They can promote economic growth, enhance competitiveness, improve access to information and knowledge, eradicate poverty, and foster social inclusion, thereby facilitating the integration of all nations, particularly developing and least developed countries, into the global economy.

Moreover, it is widely recognized that information and communications technologies offer both new opportunities and challenges. There is an urgent need to tackle the significant barriers that developing countries encounter in accessing these technologies, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient education, lack of capacity, investment shortfalls, and connectivity issues, as well as concerns regarding technology ownership, standards, and flows.

In this context, Informative Newspaper urges all stakeholders to allocate sufficient resources, enhance capacity-building efforts, and facilitate technology transfer on mutually agreed terms to support developing countries.

The living standards for millions of individuals worldwide remain alarmingly low, with many facing issues such as undernourishment, lack of education, unemployment, and insufficient access to basic necessities. However, it is crucial that current frustrations and setbacks do not obscure the vision or hinder the pursuit of development goals.

The effectiveness of international development initiatives largely hinges on advancements in the global context, necessitating tangible progress in ensuring equal political, economic, social, and cultural rights for all members of society.

The primary aim of development should be to achieve a lasting enhancement in individual well-being and to extend benefits to everyone. If inequality, extreme wealth disparities, and social injustices continue to exist, development will not fulfill its fundamental purpose.

The international community must confront the challenges of this era, characterized by unprecedented opportunities arising from scientific and technological advancements, ensuring that these benefits are shared equitably among all nations and contribute to accelerated global economic development.