Business Reporter
WITH the communications sector at the forefront of accelerating Digitalization, the Ministry of Information Communication Technology launched the adoption of the Namibia Internet Governance Forum (NamIGF) and formalized it as a legal entity in the form of a Voluntary Association.
Speaking at the launch of the forum, the Deputy Minister of ICT, Engel Nawatiseb, stated that the Adoption of the NamIGF Constitution is a significant occasion in the evolution of Internet Governance in Namibia.
Nawatiseb explained that the Namibia Internet Governance Forum (NamIGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform that enables the discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the Internet.
He stated that the forum will look at the public policy issues fostered as continuations of long-term issues in mass media, telecommunication regulation, technology policy and how digital convergence and the global nature of the Internet pose new questions in public policy and regulation.
“This unification of the platform for all modes of communication and information requires of us to remain consultative, transparent and multi-stakeholder in our approach in order to stay abreast with the latest developments, and in so doing, ensure that our Internet related policies are relevant and responsive.” Nawatiseb said.
Also speaking at the adoption of the Forum, Natasha Tibinyane, NamIGF Acting Chair stated that NamIGF is a national multi-stakeholder forum for policy dialogue on prevailing and emerging issues on Internet Governance (IG) in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development of the Internet.
Established in 2017, NamIGF adheres to the principles of the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), which is line with the United Nations (UN) Internet Governance Forum (IGF),
Tibinyane added that all entities, organisations and participating individuals that are IG stakeholders shall be free to join the NamIGF which Influences the development and implementation of national policies related to the Internet, and broadly, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
