The SADC is holding a cluster meeting in Harare to address climate change impacts and rising cybersecurity threats using ICT. Key participants include ministers from various sectors, discussing frameworks for disaster mitigation and cybersecurity aligned with regional needs.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is prioritizing the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address climate change impacts while simultaneously tackling the rising cyber threats in the region. These issues will be central during the SADC Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials, convening in Harare, Zimbabwe, with participation from ministers overseeing transport, ICT, information, and meteorology from the member states.
Recent devastating floods in Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, and Zambia highlight the urgent need for disaster mitigation strategies related to climate change. The SADC Model National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) aims to provide a framework to manage such challenges. “In the region, we have had quite a number of severe disasters due to the changing environment due to the weather,” noted Dr. Beullah Chirume, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services.
Dr. Chirume emphasized the role of telecommunications in disaster mitigation, including raising awareness and providing critical information. Zimbabwe has already initiated the implementation of the NETP, leading the way among SADC countries. Additionally, she noted the increasing prevalence of cybercrime under the SADC Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework, stating, “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.”
The ongoing cluster meeting will assess various SADC ICT initiatives such as the NETP, Shared Satellite System, Regional Computer Incident Response Team, Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework, Internet Exchange Points, Roaming Project, and Radio Frequency Spectrum Allocation Plan. This comprehensive review aims to ensure regional preparedness against both climate change and cybersecurity challenges.
The SADC Cluster Meeting is focusing on critical challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity by promoting ICT solutions. The initiatives discussed aim to strengthen disaster management while reinforcing cybersecurity frameworks across the region. The collaboration among member states is essential to effectively mitigate the impacts of these pressing issues.
Original Source: itweb.africa
