ICTs for Development. Improving Policy Coherence

This publication examines access to Information communication technologies (ICTs), as a precondition to their use; broadband Internet access and governments' role in making it available; developments in mobile payments; ICT security issues; ICTs for improving environmental performance; and the relative priority of ICTs in education.

The OECD and infoDev joined forces at a workshop on 10-11 September 2009 to examine some of the main challenges in reducing the discrepancies in access to ICTs and use of ICTs between developing countries.The workshop discussed best practices for more coherent and collaborative approaches in support of poverty reduction and meeting the Millennium Development Goals.



Information communication technologies (ICTs) are crucial to reducing poverty, improving access to health and education services and creating new sources of income and employment for the poor. Being able to access and use ICTs has become a major factor in driving competitiveness, economic growth and social development.
In the last decade, ICTs, particularly mobile phones, have also opened up new channels for the free flow of ideas and opinions, thereby promoting democracy and human rights.

The workshop examined some of the main challenges in closing the discrepancies in access to ICTs and use of ICTs between countries.

TOC
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Executive Summary
Why ICTS Matter for Development
Where Next for ICTs and International Development?
How the Developing World may Participate in the Global Internet Economy
What Role Should Governments Play in Broadband Development?
Regulatory Issues around Mobile Banking
ICTs and the Environment in Developing Countries
Policy Coherence in ICTs for Education