By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Telecommunications expert Dr Cosmas Zavazava says he will ensure technology plays role for the attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In an interview, the recently appointed Director Telecommunications Development Bureau (BDT) position at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Dr Zavazava said the post gives him the opportunity to connect the 2.7 people that are off-line worldwide.
“It took a lot of campaigning in all the six ITU regions appealing to all the 193 Member States.
“During the campaign I presented my vision and answered questions as to why I was the best candidate for the post based on my proven record in connecting the world, developing digital skills, driving digital transformation and deploying information and communication technology for sustainable development,” he said.
Dr Zavazava said he would ensure that Zimbabwe and the region benefit during his term of office.
“Africa is one of the least connected region yet it has the highest number of least developed countries, and landlocked developing states.
“As Director of the Development Bureau, I will ensure that Africa’s challenges are well addressed through impactful projects financed through partnerships,” Dr Zavazava said.
“This also goes for countries in other regions that require ITU support.
“We are the United Nations specialized agency in the area of information and communication technology with a clear mandate to connect the world and ensure that technology plays a catalytic role for the attainment of the UN adopted Sustainable Development Goals.”
Zimbabwe has never occupied an elective position in any of the UN organs and this victory will go down as a momentous achievement for the country and the SADC region.
Zimbabwe garnered an impressive 101 votes compared to 63 votes polled by Bahamas.
Delegates who attended the election led by Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon Dingimuzi Phuti and POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Kallisto Machengete congratulated Dr Zavazava.
Dr Machengete Chaired the Dr Zavazava Campaign Team where he also doubled as Campaign manager and strategist for the campaign.
The campaign team also comprised officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Office of the President and Cabinet and POTRAZ.
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