South Africa participated in the VIII International IT Forum, the first time it took part in the annual gathering. Held over two days on 8 and 9 June, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi represented the country at the event, which was held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
Second #BRICS IT-Forum to take place on 8-9 June in the Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk as part of @it_forum_ugra pic.twitter.com/6NT1UIjbik
— Russia in RSA ?? (@EmbassyofRussia) May 26, 2016
#SA Minister @faithmuthambi to participate in the Second #BRICS IT-Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk #Russia on 8-9 June pic.twitter.com/Qqo1Eio1o3
— Russia in RSA ?? (@EmbassyofRussia) May 26, 2016
The minister hailed it a success for multilateral relations. The forum allowed South Africa to expand co-operation in communication science and emergent technologies in the BRICS grouping.
“The forum created an opportunity for us to develop mass media co-operation agreements and we believe that very soon, the citizens of the BRICS nation states will be shown the
true picture of a grouping with growing economic and social ties that complement our shared histories and political development,” she said.
The minister said data was at the centre of the new global economy and going forward, data analytics would provide improved government communication systems.
Muthambi also initiated linking the Gauteng provincial government and the autonomous region of Okrug-Yugra to work towards entering into a techno park partnership.
Advancing the field of medicine through technology was also discussed. “The creation of compatible integrated telemedicine systems in the regions of the BRICS countries is well advanced,” Muthambi said.
“In fact, we are talking about the combined potential and opportunities of the largest economies of the world, containing more than 40% of the population of the planet to put their resources to protect human health, no matter where citizens live.”
Joint action in this field was important, she said,
because it was an essential humanitarian task to preserve human health. “Healthy citizens can fully participate in economic endeavours and reach their potential.”
Good health is part of South Africa’s National Development Plan outcome 2: A long and healthy life for all South Africans. It is also a key pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
