The SADC is convening ministers in Harare to discuss the utilization of ICT to combat climate change and rising cybersecurity threats. With recent floods affecting several member countries, the agenda includes the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) and the Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework. The meeting aims to enhance regional cooperation on these pressing issues.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is focusing its efforts on utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) to address climate change impacts and to counteract rising cybersecurity threats during the ongoing SADC Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials in Harare, Zimbabwe. This gathering includes ministers from transport, ICT, information, and meteorology sectors of the 16-member countries.
Recently, several countries in the region, including Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, and Zambia, have experienced devastating floods linked to climate change. The SADC’s Model National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) is aimed at alleviating such climate-related disasters, which is a primary agenda item at the meeting. Dr. Beullah Chirume, Permanent Secretary of Zimbabwe’s ministry of ICT, highlights the importance of using telecommunications to improve disaster response and raise public awareness.
Dr. Chirume emphasized the pressing issue of rising cybercrime amid developing technologies, underscoring SADC’s commitment to its Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework. She stated, “Following the SADC model on cyber, we have also domesticated. Soon, we will be revising that to ensure it aligns with current development in the cyber space.” This indicates a proactive approach to modifying strategies in response to evolving cyber threats.
The meeting will evaluate various SADC ICT initiatives, including the NETP, Shared Satellite System, and the Regional Computer Incident Response Team. In addition, forums will discuss enhancing Internet Exchange Points, the Roaming Project, and the Radio Frequency Spectrum Allocation Plan to bolster regional cooperation and response efficacy in both climate and cybersecurity domains.
In summary, the SADC ministers’ meeting reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to combat the challenges posed by climate change and cybersecurity threats. The collaborative efforts underscore the importance of proactive measures in disaster management and the evolving cyber landscape, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing these critical issues in the Southern African region.
Original Source: itweb.africa
