Tanzania's government and UNESCO inked a cooperation plan agreement on May 3 to improve access to information services.
Local representative to UNESCO, Michel Toto, and the country's Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology Nape Nnauye both signed the paper.
In terms of data and communication, the plan agrees to serve as a roadmap for working with the government to accomplish the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN organization's mission is to advance the growth of media, information access, and freedom of speech.
During a brief signing ceremony, Toto stated that the agreement, which covers 2022 to 2027, intends to help the government solve difficulties, improve monitoring and reporting, and speed up measures toward the fulfillment of the SDGs.
"This country cooperation strategy will guide UNESCO's work in the communication and information programme, with a long-term vision for UNESCO's technical cooperation to respond most effectively to Tanzania’s expressed development needs, priorities, and aspirations in this important area," Toto stated.
According to Nnauye, the partnership would support media autonomy, data sharing, and the advancement of digital age skills. It will also support liberty of speech and accessibility to information.
As part of the collaboration, issues related to information and media literacy, the digital citizenry, journalist security and protection, and working conditions will also be addressed.
"I hope it is the first of many others that we will sign to strengthen the mobilization of resources and partnerships for free and independent media and the promotion of critical thinking and informed societies [...]. This, importantly, also aims to empower citizens to address issues of local concern but also make informed decisions about their daily lives, which is core to leaving no one behind," the information minister stated.
According to Nnauye, this is the first agreement of such significance signed between Tanzania and UNESCO.