DURBAN, Sept.11 (Xinhua) -- New technology has a potential to make the people's lives better but also brings with it risks and challenges, said South Africa's Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on Monday.
She was speaking at a panel discussion during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2018 taking place in Durban. Makonyane stated that there is a need to manage the risks and challenges and see opportunities in them.
Makonyane stated that the risks are in uncontrolled movement of vast quantities of information flowing, which can easily get distorted or used for exploitative purposes such as cyber bullying.
"The other risk is lack of skills to produce, to contribute towards quality content, and the passing on of skills for the generation to come," she said.
She pointed out that cooperation and partnership with different stakeholders is crucial to mitigate these risks, from the policy or educational establishments locally and nationally up to international forums such as ITU Telecom World.
Huawei's Zhou Jianjun, the vice president of Carrier Business BG (emerging market), said collaboration is key for progressing in the new technology.
He also pointed out that there is a need to have a suitable technology including in Africa to suit local market.
"To move beyond connectivity we must have innovation. Information, solutions and applications all form one team, especially in emerging markets. The best technology is a suitable technology," Zhou said.
