Bridging the Digital Divide: ICT for Development

In order to have a thriving society and an efficient economy, developing countries must invest in technology. A huge technology gap exists between developing and developed countries, between regions within countries and between different income and social groups. There is an urgent need to bridge this divide.

There is a very substantial risk that those without the capacities to access the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or to use it effectively, will be further marginalised. The global economy and social order are becoming increasingly dependent on ICT to support economic growth and governance activities. This has a knock-on effect on the sustainability of existing markets, institutions and social and economic practices. Although social, economic and technological divides are not new, they are deepening. The CBC uses many methods including research, advocacy, consultancy and introducing practical projects to address this issue. This section highlights some the steps taken which have contributed to reducing the digital divide.

CBC has a long history of working on the ICT initiatives, particularly in the ICT 4 Development sector. In 2004, the CBC created a team entirely dedicated to focusing on ICT issues, global services and business enabling through the use of technology. The Technologies team got engaged on five key initiatives:

Events and Education

The Technology and Global Services fora organised by the CBC aim at bringing together the key players in the market and provide educational research materials to delegates.

Modernising Governments by using technology

Technology experts and government ministers met in London to look at ways ICT could be harnessed to strengthen governance. The Forum’s report and recommendations were then presented to the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting (CFMM) in 2002 following the endorsement of CBC’s Investment Principles by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Australia in 2001.

Engaging ICT stakeholders to discuss LDCs

ICT Stakeholders from Commonwealth countries gathered in Mauritius where success stories from different regions were exchanged. The Mauritius government, meanwhile, showcased policies, strategies and initiatives to key players in the ICT sector from across the globe.

The special focus of the meet was on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and delegates were challenged to come up with real and deployable solutions to integrate LDCs into the global economy through the use of ICTs.

Connecting the Commonwealth

Narrowing the gap between those with access to information and communication technology (ICT) and those without by means of collaboration and partnership among governments, the private sector and civil society, was the focus of the Commonwealth Connects 2007 International e-Partnership Summit held at New Delhi in 2007.

Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam addressed the gathered ministers, technology experts, businessmen and expressed the need for communication brand-width to be offered free by 53 Common wealth countries, especially those of Africa and Asia. This he believed will result in long-term economic benefits.

Focus on Innovation

The world is witnessing rapid globalisation with countries like India and China emerging as major innovation and research hubs. Its profound impact on the Western nations is undeniable. CBC along with the London chapter of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Imperial College brought together a group of leading technology, innovation experts and business people under the banner of Global Technology and Innovation Forum, to explore ways to create national and trans-national innovation eco-systems, find out how to commercialise Intellectual Property, create successful spin-offs and attract international capital to start-ups.

Tackling Cyber Crime

Through a partnership with the Specialist Crime Directorate at New Scotland Yard, the technologies team examined the effect of economic crime on various global service industries - such as financial services and retail. This group focused on bringing together the public and private sector in a regular forum that delivers tangible results. To tackle the problem, the Specialist Crime Directorate of the Metropolitan Police and CBC created a formal partnership where law-enforcement experts from across the 53-nation Commonwealth region will work on connecting the corporate victims of economic crime with international government policy makers. The Scotland Yard economic crime working group addresses cyber crime, data and identity theft, counterfeiting and intellectual property rights, and money laundering.  This partnership marks a significant change in the way the Metropolitan police addresses cyber crime.

CBC is partnering with other Commonwealth and national agencies to address the threat of cyber crime through the Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum’s Cyber Crime Initiative. This will provide support to help improve legislation and build capacity to tackle cyber crime and other cyber space security threats.

Partnership for disaster management

Natural calamities have spread mayhem around the world, severely impacting the lives of people and the environment. The recent spate of tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides and forest fires have left behind a legacy of lost and broken lives, economic upheaval and sheer devastation, imposing long-lasting impediments to sustainable development and global efforts for poverty reduction. The poor, especially those living in remote and isolated areas, are the most vulnerable and disaster-prone.

ITU reached agreement with ICO Global Communications and the Commonwealth Business Council to utilize satellite communications for improved global response in the face of natural disasters.

ICO Global Communications  provided airtime on their F2 satellite for disaster prevention and effective response in the aftermath of natural disasters through both voice communications and other telecommunication applications, including telemedicine. An hour’s airtime was  provided every day for use through ITU to help countries maintain preparedness, provide early-warning information and elicit quick response.