To improve Tanzanians’ access to information services, the government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inked a cooperation plan agreement yesterday.
The Tanzanian representative of Unesco, Mr. Michel Toto, and the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr. Nape Nnauye, both signed the paper.
The UN organisation’s mission is to advance media development, information access, and freedom of expression.
In terms of information and communication, the plan agreed to serve as a roadmap for working with the government to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During a brief signing ceremony, Mr. Toto stated that the agreement, which is put into effect from 2022 to 2027, intends to help the government solve difficulties, improve monitoring and reporting, and speed up measures towards the fulfilment of the SDGs.
“This country cooperation strategy will guide Unesco’s work in the communication and information programme, with a long-term vision for Unesco’s technical cooperation to respond most effectively to Tanzania’s expressed development needs, priorities, and aspirations in this important area,” said Mr Toto.
According to Mr. Nnauye, the partnership would support media independence, knowledge sharing, and the development of digital age skills. It will also support freedom of speech and the right to information.
As part of the collaboration, issues related to media and information literacy, digital citizenship, journalist safety and security, and working conditions will also be addressed.
“This cooperation strategy is the first we sign with Unesco. I hope it is the first of many others that we will sign to strengthen the mobilisation of resources and partnerships for free and independent media and the promotion of critical thinking and informed societies,” he said.
“Our work together will continue to accelerate commitments for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels,” he added.
“This, importantly, also aims to empower citizens to address issues of local concern but also make informed decisions about their daily lives, which is core to leaving no one behind,” Mr Nnauye said.