Foreword

At the United Nations World Summit in 2005, country leaders outlined a vision for a people-centered and inclusive information society, leveraging the potential of information and communications technology (ICT) for sustainable development. The onus to come up with new initiatives for ICT-led development, which ensure that everybody, regardless of their socio-economic background, has an equitable playing field, lies collectively on national governments, the private sector and civil society, as well as on international organizations, including the donor community. As a catalyst for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), ICTs have been recognized and promoted by the United Nations as one of the key elements to increase socio-economic opportunities for all citizens from both developed and developing nations.

Related Subject(s): Democracy and Governance