Executive summary

Over the past few decades, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have proven to be atremendous accelerator of economic and social progress. They have opened up a previously unimaginablearray of possibilities in both developed and developing countries. The speed at which ICTs are diffusing has taken many observers by surprise. This is in no small part thanks to the mobile revolution. With morethan 4 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide, one of the targets set by world leaders at the World Summiton the Information Society – that more than half of the world’s population should have ready access to ICTs – may have been reached seven years ahead of schedule. But as emphasized in the Information Economy Report 2009, there is no room for complacency. Despite positive developments towards narrowing the digital divide, there is a long unfinished agenda to address in order to create a truly inclusive information society for all.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions