{{After winning the global WSIS Forum 2013 prize in Media Category, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognizes Rwanda efforts in implementing WSIS (World Summit on Information Society) in ICT for Development action plan.}}
Both prizes have been given to Rwanda in the WSIS Forum 2013 hosted by ITU that took place at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This forum is focusing on post-2015 development agenda.
The first prize in media category was awarded to Rwanda after submitting the Africa Media Academy project for vote. The academy runs under WDA in collaboration with the USA-based Pixel Corps and hosted by the e-ICT centre.
This prize is awarded to a project that illustrates the implementation of WSIS objectives of promoting ICT for Development using digital media.
The Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, received the second award on behalf of the government of Rwanda. After receiving this award he noted that “The Prize was awarded for Rwanda’s Excellence in implementing WSIS plan of action.
Rwanda was the first country to have submitted a comprehensive implementation report of the 11 points agenda of the WSIS action plan, a commitment that all ITU member countries have made.”
Houlin Zhao, the Deputy Secretary-General of ITU “congratulates Rwanda for being the first country to have responded using the WSIS templates for national self-evaluation, reporting on the implementation of the WSIS outcomes, and also the first country to have submitted its report on the WSIS+10 Review through the online system.”
He added, “Rwanda’s national plan for ICT development is ambitious but achievable, aiming to further leverage the power of ICTs in important areas such as health, education and the empowerment of women.”
Houlin also noted that by marking the seventh anniversary of ITU Connect Africa, President Paul Kagame has convened the ‘Transform Africa’ Summit in Kigali at the end of October.
“I am sure that investment opportunities will be high on the agenda at ‘Transform Africa’ – given President Kagame’s firm commitment unshakeable belief in the power of leveraging ICTs to deliver sustainable social and economic benefits across Rwanda and across Africa,” says the Deputy Secretary-General of ITU.
The WSIS Project Prizes is an international contest developed in response to requests of the WSIS Stakeholders that requested for an effective mechanism to evaluate and recognize individuals; governments; civil society; local, regional and international agencies; research institutions; and private sector companies for outstanding success in implementing development-oriented strategies that leverage the power of ICTs.
Since the adoption of the ICT for Development (ICT4D) in Rwanda, there has been significant progress towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.
The ICT4D roadmap that was adopted to implement policies and plans that would address Rwanda’s developmental challenges in the information and technology age.
{Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana (R) receiving the award from Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General, ITU}
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