Statement by Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet), on the Occasion of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024
As we mark this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it is crucial to remember that poverty is not just about lacking money—it is about a denial of rights, dignity, and opportunities. This year’s theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” draws attention to a critical issue: the hidden dimensions of poverty, where individuals are marginalized not only economically but also through social and institutional maltreatment. These injustices trap people in a cycle of exclusion.
At WAICTANet, we firmly believe that technology can play a transformative role in breaking this cycle. In the Mano River Union (MRU) region, where millions still face hardship, digital innovation provides a pathway to inclusion, especially for our youth. Technology offers them a chance to develop vital skills, access opportunities, and build sustainable livelihoods. This is why we are committed to ensuring that young people across the MRU region gain the digital knowledge and skills necessary to thrive.
As Regional Director, I have personally seen the impact that ICT can have. From rural communities to underserved urban areas, young people are harnessing the power of technology to access education, find employment, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. These stories are inspiring, but they are not enough. We must scale up these efforts if we are to make a meaningful impact.
WAICTANet is ready to work with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to remove the barriers that prevent wider access to ICT. Whether through improving infrastructure, ensuring affordable connectivity, or expanding digital literacy programs, we must work together to close the digital divide. Special attention must be given to marginalized groups, particularly women and rural youth, who too often are left behind.
Let us be clear: investing in our youth is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity. By equipping them with the tools to succeed, we are planting the seeds for a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society. This is not just a goal—it is a necessity if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16) and create societies where every person can live with dignity.
In closing, WAICTANet reaffirms its commitment to fighting poverty through ICT and empowering young people to be the drivers of change. But we cannot do this alone. We call on all partners and stakeholders to join us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that no young person is left behind and that technology becomes a force for good, driving us towards a future free from poverty and exclusion.
