WINDHOEK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) highlighted the importance of equipping African youth with essential information technology skills on Monday, in honor of International Youth Day.

Boemo Sekgoma, secretary general of the regional inter-parliamentary body SADC PF, made the remarks in a statement in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

"The youth represent the new generation of individuals who have grown up with exposure to digital systems, be it in the form of desktop computers, smartphones, or laptops, and have been trained to acquire digital and web-based skills," Sekgoma said.

According to Sekgoma, at this stage of African development, the full potential of digital learning and transformation must be tapped by the youth to make them partake equitably in the gains of the information and communications technology sector.

"The Forum encourages national parliaments to promote dedicated committees that can examine digital legal and policy initiatives and make recommendations to the plenary assembly for comprehensive deliberations that should be inclusive of the voices of the youth," she added.

Sekgoma said the forum fully associates itself with this year's theme for International Youth Day, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," which emphasizes the significance of youth digital education and capacity-building that can undeniably translate into socio-economic progress and an upgrading of the quality of life of citizens at large.

International Youth Day, observed annually on Aug. 12, aims to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today's global society. Enditem

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