Role of The National Information Center in Society [Archives:2000/28/Interview]

Information plays a vital role in the life of individuals and societies. It is an integral element in all our activities. Information constitutes the raw material for scientific research and the main input for making right decisions. He who possesses the correct information at the right time, controls elements of power and domination in the fast changing modern world which accents on education in all spheres of life and does not allow extemporization or adhocism. From this premise emerged the informatic centers in the world during the last quarter of the 20th century. Consequently the world interest was focused on creation of such centers which then played a significant role in disseminating information thereby facilitating decision making in any sphere of life. Arab states, including Yemen did create information centers but owing to their economic constraints in the fitness of things could not catch up with the latest developments in this emerging field.
The following interview with Eng. Khaled Abdulrehman Al-Akwa’, Vice Chairman of the National Information Center (NIC), highlights the importance of this premier institution.
Q. When was the NIC founded?
A. It was founded according to Republican Decree No.155 issued in 1995.
Q. What are the objectives and activities, as well the duties of the Center?
A. The decree provided for the creation of a National information Center, with a view to furnishing relevant information to decision-makers, investors, researchers, scholars and others. The aim, as stipulated in the decree, is to make available suitable information at suitable time and to facilitate adoption of the right decision at appropriate time. This institute has a big and clear impact on the State’s policy. The Center offers information to all decision-makers right from the President of the Republic and down to a researcher, a student or a scholar. Through its local Internet access , the NIC has programmed all local information in the interest of those who cannot afford to have Internet owing to its high price or other reasons. The Center has collected information on most State machineries.
Q. What are the issue meant to be researched and analyzed within the national information policy?
A. I would like to say that the national information policy is not based on permanent moulds or methods. It should harmonize with the general policy of the country, absorb the level of development, bear true information and speak about the nature of the task of development desired to be accomplished. Therefore, the issues which come within the framework of the national information policy in Yemen are different from those in other countries. From time to time, the name and scope of such information could vary even at our local level. As far as we are concerned, we have to see that we clearly define the value or significance of any information from the view point of the State in particular and the society in general. It is impossible to talk about creating an information system without treating it as a main task within the resolved priorities. The task should constitute an inseparable part of the economic and social development plans in the country. That is to say the issue of information should be a comprehensive national mission not confined to the NIC only.
Q. What is the strategic vision for the information?
A. In the view of our clear objectives and serious commitment to broaden the scope of information, it is imperative for us to possess a sound strategic vision while dealing with the technology in general and technology of information in particular.
Q. What type of information services does the Center provide?
A. Information supply is a specialized unit which receives requests for information and data . It answers all inquiries. Information feedback is another unit which collects information through coordination with the appropriate authorities and does data processing. Then we have the library and documentation unit which handles books, references, periodicals and information materials. Finally we have the publication and enlightenment unit which bears the responsibility of publishing the Center’s materials.
Q. Is there any coordination between the NIC and the different State institutions?
A. The Center adopts an annual and strategic plan. Through other plans and objectives and, after defining the landmarks, the Center practically comes in contact with a lot of State institutions which as stake-holders really a keen interest in the development process and decision-making. The Center has assisted in creating information systems in a number of State machineries. The Center on line internet displays important data in the field of economy, society, politics and all other aspects related to growth and development such as agriculture, fisheries, mineral wealth etc.
I would like to add that the fiscal potential of the Center is scanty and does not allow us meet our future projects. However, the Center is adopting the convention of a comprehensive national symposium on “The National Strategies for Information” in order to highlight the importance of the NIC and the saliency of these strategies in the interest of the country in general.
And finally, I should thank the “Yemen Times” for this initiative. Yours is the first Yemeni tabloid which has shown interest in informatics in the era of globalization and internet.



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