As the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation’s annual forum closes, and A4AI members and supporters disperse, we would like to share some reflections on our time here and the official launch of A4AI.
1. We’ve been delighted by the positive reception A4AI has received, particularly the interest from the many policy makers and influencers we’ve had the opportunity to speak to in person. Our challenge now is to convert this energy into action and we’re already working towards that.
2. A4AI’s launch, communicated from Abuja, Nigeria has been covered in media and online around the world. A4AI has made headlines in Nigeria, Britain, the USA, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Ghana, New Zealand, India and many more. For us, this underscores not only the importance of the initiative, but also the global reach of the web and the access to information to it can provide. It makes us even more determined to ensure that A4AI helps to connect the two-thirds of the planet that remains unconnected.
3. The importance of working collaboratively has been reinforced time and again by speakers at the CTO Forum. We agree wholeheartedly. As we begin to engage in countries, we’ll be working closely with local stakeholders to take on board a range of views before recommending any specific courses of action. We are looking forward to working with members and partners in the public, private and civil society sectors to develop policy recommendations that focus on increasing affordable access to the internet.
Thanks for your amazing support so far and stay tuned for further updates in the coming weeks.
