In its conclusions unanimously adopted without debate on Monday 28 November in Brussels during its development meeting, the EU Foreign Affairs Council said that the European Union ought to improve the way in which digital solutions were integrated into its development policy if it is to take full advantage of the enormous potential of digital technologies. It also stated that it should pursue this aim whilst developing cooperation in the fight against the global threat of cybercrime.
The Council considers that they need to tackle cyber-challenges while guaranteeing the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly those relating to private life, the protection of data and the freedom of expression, with a particular focus on online freedoms in the digital era.
The Council is delighted with a references made to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) throughout the UN sustainable development programme for the current period leading up to 2030 as a specific objective and means of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Council itself is convinced that digital technologies are making a significant contribution to the economic and environmental dimensions of development, as well as the role they play in the promotion of democracy, good governance, inclusion and participation in the decision-making process, non-discrimination, equality and fairness and also to transparency and responsibility, particularly with regard to the e-governance processes.
The conclusions emphasise that in order to combat global level cyber threats, international cooperation and assistance for developing the capacity of developing countries plays an essential role in securing ICT and guaranteeing their peaceful use.
The Council remains concerned by persisting digital fractures and unfair distribution amongst those benefiting from ICT, despite the progress made over recent years. It highlights the need to tackle these fractures by facilitating universal access at affordable costs to content and services that need to be developed in a broad range of languages and formats. All sectors of the population should also have access to obtaining the skills and abilities required for using ICT and contributing to their development. (Aminata Niang)