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Global Knowledge Partnership

GK3-Konferenz in Kuala Lumpur
Bisher benachteiligten Menschen soll durch den Zugang zu Märkten und Technologien
ein weiterer Entwicklungsschritt erleichtert werden. Dieser Ansatz prägt eine
internationale Konferenz der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien, die
mit Unterstützung der DEZA vom 11. bis 13. Dezember in Malaysia stattfindet.


Dossier
Publication ICT4D

book cover

Connecting people for a better world
Are information and communication technologies (ICT) such as computers, TV or mobile phones effective instruments to empower people, reduce poverty and improve lives? This book offers new answers to these questions.

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Online version: globalknowledge.org

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
 An enabling tool for international cooperation

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are transforming the way governments, business and individuals learn, work and communicate with each other. If they are employed strategically to promote access and sharing of relevant knowledge as well as participation of the poor and marginalised in decision- making processes that affect their lives, ICTs contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Key facts
• In 2002, Internet availability in developed countries was 10 times higher than in developing countries; in 2006, it was 6 times higher.
• Belarus has a higher Internet penetration rate than several developed countries, at 57%.
• Morocco has the highest penetration on the mainland of Africa at only 19.9%.

ICTs encompass a full range of increasingly converging technologies, including traditional and emerging devices such as interactive community radios, television, mobile phones, computer and network hardware and software, the Internet, satellite systems, and podcasting. The effective use of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is not just a question of infrastructure and software. It also requires an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework, the development of human capacity and relevant content. In particular it must be noted that the way ICTs are best used varies considerably depending on the sector or theme in which they are employed and the overall context of e-readiness (access and affordability of infrastructure, human capacity, cultural habits). Thus ICTs are nothing more and nothing less than an important tool to be applied as part of a broader strategy for sustainable development and should not be seen as a panacea for all development problems.

ICTs can be employed fulfilling three partly overlapping functions:

Harnessing the potential of ICTs as a transformative tool

SDC focus

The focus of SDC from 2001 to 2008 was to support international mainstreaming efforts of ICTs in development processes, e.g. through a series of publications and to strengthen the development perspective and the multi-stakeholder process in the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). In addition to a direct support to the WSIS process and the promotion of the active participation of Civil Society Organisations from the South and the East therein, SDC has directly participated in and supported a whole range of organisations and networks active in the area of ICT4D (see below).

While the support to most of these organisations is being phased out between 2008 and 2010, SDC will pursue its contributions to the Swiss engagement in the ECOSOC Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) entrusted with the official WSIS follow up and in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in close cooperation with the Federal Office for Communication (OFCOM). SDC’s main focus however lies on supporting the integration of ICT’s as a strategic tool within SDC projects and programmes. For this purpose, a strategic ICT support focal point within SDC’s Learning and Networking Division has the task to provide support services to SDC operational divisions and their local partners on how to strategically integrate ICTs into their programmes. Through its continued membership in the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP), the ICT Focal Point will remain up to date concerning the latest developments in the ICT4D area and will rely on GKP in order to identify experts or organisations capable to support SDC’s operational divisions in making optimal strategic use of ICTs.

  • increasing efficiency: reaching more people while reducing transaction costs.
  • increasing effectiveness: in terms of process, ownership, participation, networking and improvement of governance and better delivery of basic services such as education agricultural extension, microfinance and health.
  • improving innovation and productivity – for example for micro, small and medium enterprises through better access to information, credit, markets and procurement using ICT tools in management, marketing and distribution channels.

Theme contact: Alexander Widmer

Weiterführende Informationen und Dokumente