Information Technology

"ICT can improve the performance of businesses and the efficiency of markets, empower citizens and communities, increase their access to knowledge, and help to strengthen and redefine governance at all institutional levels. A multi-stakeholder approach will define the responsibility of all and promote the participation of governments, the private sector, civil society and all other relevant groups."

-UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consists of electronic communication devices or applications, including radio, television, cell phones, telephone main lines, computer and network hardware and software including connections to the internet, satellite systems, etc. It includes desktop and laptop computers, personal desk assistants (PDAs), global positioning systems and newer handheld devices. ICT is important to sustainable rural development, by enabling developing countries to enter and compete in the global marketplace. A main barrier to ICT expansion in developing countries is the high cost of, and lack of access to, connectivity to the Internet. Lack of access to ICT widens the digital divide between developing and developed countries. Throughout history, technology has been a powerful tool for human development and poverty reduction.

Key Facts

Rural and marginalized urban communities are particularly vulnerable to the Digital Divide, internally within their own countries and externally at the global level.
Women have one chance in three less than men to benefit in the African Information Society (2005: The Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa: A Harsh Reality)
Indicators of technology usage include cellular subscribers, internet users and telephone mainlines per 1,000 population. (UN Human Development Report)

Our Response

PPAF is working with New York-based Non-Profit Computing, Inc. to obtain high-quality donated computers and with local authorities and civic organizations in focus countries for community computer centers and related uses, especially by youth and disadvantaged groups. PPAF is exploring additional opportunities in the areas of ICT for education, entrepreneurship, health and e-governance.

“The United Nations can only do its job properly with partners. We will need to forge even closer ties to civil society groups, foundations, academic institutions, the media, labour unions, and the private sector. Each has unique contributions to make.”

-Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary-General,
Address to UNA-USA Business Council
for the UN,
New York, 10 January 2007

Public-Private Alliance Foundation Tel: 914-478-3450 Fax: 914-478-7859 ppafoundation@gmail.com