TechPression

Tag: UNESCO

  • UNESCO and Triggerfish ignite African women’s animation

    UNESCO and Triggerfish ignite African women’s animation

    Triggerfish, a prominent animation studio based in Cape Town, has partnered with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs, an innovative initiative to empower women in African animation. 

    This programme, launched on December 9, 2024, addresses gender inequities in the industry, contributing $5 billion to Africa’s GDP and employing over 5 million people.

    Women, particularly women of colour, continue to be under-represented in positions of authority despite the stunning statistics shown here.

    Read also: Global MIL Week 2024: How UNESCO is tackling Africa’s digital misinformation crisis

    Empowering women through education

    The Creator Labs will offer two specialised tracks: a Director’s Lab for aspiring directors and an Animation Art Lab for artists. Through masterclasses given by industry specialists, participants can get mentoring and network with other professionals.

    Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Empowering African women in animation isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about innovation”. 

    UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone R highlighted the need for this program, stating that it addresses educational gaps that disproportionately affect women in the sector. 

    The labs aim to enhance career opportunities through technical and vocational education.

    Read also: UNESCO launches AI readiness assessment methodology in Nigeria

    A cultural shift in animation

    The Creator Labs focus on skill development and aim to foster a cultural shift within the animation industry. 

    The initiative seeks to enrich storytelling with diverse perspectives by prioritising women’s leadership roles. 

    Participants will learn from notable figures such as Ng’endo Mukii and Cinzia Angelini, who have significantly contributed to global animation.

    By forming this revolutionary cooperation between Triggerfish and UNESCO, the goal is to foster the development of a new generation of female leaders responsible for shaping the future of African animation.

    Applications for The Creator Labs opened on December 9, 2024, and will close on January 5, 2025. The online sessions are set to begin in March 2025. For details, see Triggerfish Academy.

  • Phony X accounts stir up Ghana’s election climate

    Phony X accounts stir up Ghana’s election climate

    A network of 171 phoney accounts on X (previously Twitter) was exposed on November 12, 2024, as trying to steer the next Ghanaian elections.

    Automated bots created these accounts to spread false information and control online conversations. The announcement raises concerns about electoral integrity as Ghana prepares for a critical election.

    The Ghana Commission for UNESCO has launched a campaign titled “Verify First, Share with Caution” to combat misinformation and highlighting the need for media literacy among citizens.

    Read also: Nigeria to use AI to improve its elections through ‘Naija Elections’ App

    What role do social media play in spreading misinformation? 

    In Ghana, misinformation and disinformation are big problems for the country’s government, especially during elections. Although misinformation is often spread by accident, disinformation is made on purpose to trick people.

    As the Kofi Annan Foundation states, “Misinformation can sway voter perceptions and distort political debates,” which undermines the electoral process.

    With the rise of social media, it’s easier for fake information to spread quickly, which makes politics more difficult. Researcher Samantha Lai notes that “social media platforms are fertile grounds for disinformation” due to their vast reach and ease of sharing.

    Read also: Democracy day: Nigerians react online to President Tinubus’s fall

    Disinformation: a growing threat to Ghana’s democracy

    Ghana’s democratic integrity is seriously in jeopardy due to the existence of these phoney accounts. In a political climate of violence and corruption, skilled misinformation could make voters even less happy.

    Experts warn that misusing technology during elections can lead to contested results and lower voter turnout. A report from the International Republican Institute emphasises that “the swift dissemination of false information via social media compromises the validity of election results.”

    As Ghana’s polls approach, it’s important to find effective ways to combat false information immediately.

    The Ghana Commission for UNESCO’s campaign promotes media literacy and responsible sharing to help citizens tell the truth from deception.

    This project protects democracy and empowers voters to make informed decisions based on facts, not lies.

  • Digital literacy is critical in tackling misinformation, says Nigerian minister

    Digital literacy is critical in tackling misinformation, says Nigerian minister

    Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, highlighted the role of digital literacy in combating misinformation and promoting responsible media consumption.

    Speaking on Friday at the National Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 event in Abuja, Mr Idris underscored the need to empower citizens with the requisite digital tools to tackle the spread and consumption of false news.

    The event, organised by the International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria, was themed “New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information,” in collaboration with the National Commission for UNESCO and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation.

    Read also: Africa HealthTech Summit to address digital transformation in healthcare

    The impact of social media and AI on information dissemination

    Idris emphasised how the digital age has had a profound impact, expanding access to information through the use of social media, generative AI, and online content creation.

    But he cautioned that this new digital environment also makes it easier for false information to spread.

    “The rise of social media, generative Artificial Intelligence, online platforms and the new generation of digital content creators has democratised information flow, allowing voices from all corners of society to be heard,” the minister explained. “Anyone with a laptop or an Android phone has become a potential news creator, capable of reaching a large number of people.”

    “However, this digital landscape with its limitless opportunities also poses serious challenges, especially with the spread of misinformation and disinformation, whether created by humans or generated by AI,” he noted.

    Urgent call to action against misinformation 

    The minister urged the implementation of national media literacy programs to help people identify reliable sources and evaluate information critically.

    “Therefore, it has become crucial that we empower our citizens with the tools they need to navigate this complex information environment, especially with the advent of Artificial Intelligence which will make it more complex,” the minister remarked. “Media and Information Literacy becomes essential in empowering individuals to critically assess the information they encounter, discern credible sources, and engage responsibly with media content.”

    Read also: Lagos launches second phase of digital skills training, targets one million youths by 2030

    Establishment of a media literacy institute in Nigeria 

    As part of ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy, Nigeria has established a UNESCO-certified International Media and Information Literacy Institute, fulfilling a commitment made during the Global Media and Information Literacy Week Conference in 2022.

    The proposed institute aims to educate Nigerians and global citizens on digital communication and safe media practices.

    Highlighting the significance of ethical standards in public interest information, the minister urged media professionals, educators, young people, and content creators to embrace responsible media practices.

    He urged everyone involved to create an atmosphere that supports accurate, open, and accountable participation.

  • UNESCO launches AI readiness assessment methodology in Nigeria

    UNESCO launches AI readiness assessment methodology in Nigeria

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in Nigeria to promote the ethical use of AI through innovative tools.

    The event, which took place on Monday, July 22nd, at the UN House in Abuja, was attended by government representatives, private and public sector, academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other key players who pledged their commitment to driving Nigeria towards ethically maximising AI.

    Read also: Anambra University partners tech firm to empower students with AI

    Commitment to Ethical AI Adoption

    Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, articulated the country’s aspiration to become one of the top three countries ethically leveraging AI among the 194 countries adopting the RAM. He highlighted AI’s transformative potential to positively impact how we live and coexist, influencing our thoughts and shaping our future. However, he acknowledged the challenges and risks associated with AI, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders to ensure its ethical deployment.

    Head of the Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdurahamane Diallo, explained that RAM is a comprehensive framework designed to assess and guide countries in ethically utilising AI. He explained that the methodology launched in 2023 helps countries identify gaps, set priorities, and develop strategies for ethical AI adoption.

    Read also: UNDP, Unilag launch AI UniPOD to empower students

    Implementation and Future Prospects

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    Following the observations on UNESCO’s recommendations, Dr Tijani commissioned the Steering Committee and the Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with implementing RAM, ensuring that all relevant parties work together towards ensuring a robust report on Nigeria’s use of the instrument.

    The focus will be on implementing the recommendations from the RAM assessment. This includes developing policies and frameworks to support ethical AI, promoting awareness and education about AI ethics, and fostering innovation in AI technologies. In partnership with other stakeholders, the government will drive these efforts, ensuring that AI contributes to sustainable development and social good.

    AI offers immense opportunities for Nigeria. By leveraging AI technologies, the country can enhance various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. AI can help improve service delivery, optimise resource allocation, and drive innovation. A strong commitment from various stakeholders and a clear vision for the future successful implementation of RAM will position Nigeria to harness these opportunities while mitigating the associated risks.

  • Huawei, UNESCO Partner for seeds for the future program in Africa, Asia

    Huawei, UNESCO Partner for seeds for the future program in Africa, Asia

    Global provider of information and communications technology (ICT), Huawei, in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is committed to enhancing education in Africa and Asia through the use of technology in the seed for future programs.

    This was disclosed at the Mobile World Congress 2023 held in Barcelona, Spain from February 27- March 2.

    According to Huawei’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Vicky Zhang, the program has commenced in Nigeria, and Huawei is committed to making similar efforts in other developing countries, including Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Pakistan.

    Zhang disclosed that Huawei started the Seeds for the Future program, a sub-project of the National ICT Talent Development, in 2018 by signing an MOU between the company and the government of Nigeria.

    Read also: Zimbabwe Emerges Winner At ITU Conference

    She revealed that since then, ten talented Nigerian students have been selected each year for two weeks of ICT development and Chinese culture training.

    She added that the program is expected to yield significant social impact and contribution that will inspire and help students find new solutions for the future ICT development of Nigeria and help the country develop rapidly.

    Huawei and UNESCO Promote learning through technology

    Zhang said Huawei is proud to be joining forces with UNESCO to enhance learning experiences in developing countries through the use of technology.

     “Getting the right education is often the key to success in life. As a major player in the technology sector, Huawei feels it is responsible for providing technical skills in all parts of the world, trying our best to include as many people as possible,” she said.

    Speaking during the summit, the Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), David Atchoarena, commended Huawei for its commitment and contribution towards enhancing educators’ use of technology in developing countries.

    Flutterwave denies reports of ₦2.9 billion hack

    Massive show at the MWC despite sanctions

    Huawei has an impressive show at the Mobile World Congress 2023 despite its many struggles to remain relevant in the mobile industry due to US sanctions.

    Out of the 150 Chinese companies that attended the event of 2,000 exhibitors and sponsors, Huawei Technologies Ltd. had the biggest presence, expanding its footprint by 50 per cent from last year.

    Huawei has had to battle a lot of negative press and sanctions over the past few years, particularly in the Trump administration, over fears that China could use their technology for cyber snooping or sabotaging critical communications infrastructure. But Huawei has repeatedly denied the allegations.

    The US government effectively banished Huawei from the lucrative market and persuaded its allies across the globe, including Britain and Sweden, to stop using Huawei network equipment, leading to billions in losses for the company.

    The Trump administration also cut Huawei off from Android as it was no longer able to put android on its smartphones.

    Huawei had to adapt and launch its own operating system while also navigating the endless challenges it faces to secure parts, components, chipsets, and other technologies.

    However, at MWC 2023, Huawei’s booth was massive as it covered almost half the entire hall and was almost triple the size of Samsung’s booth. The company showcased everything from its phones to smartwatches, smart home devices, accessories, network equipment, and more. It also dedicated an entire section to its homegrown OS.

    It was clear  Huawei utilized the MWC platform to prove a point that the company was far from dead despite all odds and to showcase its vision for the future further.