In its fourth year, the Information and Communication Technologies Task Force, through its core activities, working groups and regional nodes, made a substantive contribution to the preparations for the Tunis phase of the World Summit on the Information Society by sponsoring several regional meetings, organizing a series of global forums, producing several publications and participating actively in events organized by other stakeholders; organized three high-level round tables linking information and communication technology (ICT) with science and technology and the Millennium Development Goals; and provided substantial input to the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development through the working group on ICT indicators and Millennium Development Goals mapping. While the mandate of the Information and Communication Technologies Task Force expired at the end of 2005, the task of harnessing the potential of ICT for advancing development is not finished. The global alliance for ICT and development was recently approved by the Secretary-General, and its mission will be to facilitate and promote further integration of ICT with development activities, thus contributing to linking the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society with the broader United Nations development agenda.

The alliance will build on and advance the work of past initiatives such as the Information and Communication Technologies Task Force as well as the experience of the World Summit on the Information Society process in addressing core issues related to the role of information and communication technology in economic development and eradication of poverty and the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. Full report
Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative
GeSCI has been established in order to address a serious global challenge: the state of education in the developing world. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), have the capacity to address some of these challenges. Their unique power can improve the productivity of teachers and administrators, extend education to hard-to-reach places and provide students with compelling and effective content and tools for learning - more efficiently and at lower cost than traditional methods. E-Schools and Communities Initiatives Launched at Information Summit

International Partners Launch "Global e-Policy Resource Network" (ePol-NET) at WSIS The UN ICT Task Force, in collaboration with the governments of Canada and Ireland and the UN Economic Commission for Africa successfully launched the Global ePolicy Resource Network (ePol-NET) on December 11, 2003 at WSIS. The ePol-NET initiative is designed to mobilize global efforts in support of national e-strategies for development. ePol-NET cooperates closely with the Task Force's National and Regional E-Strategies Working Group and Regional Nodes, notably the African Stakeholders Network. Press ReleaseePol-NET Website

UN ICT Task Force Series 9: Harnessing the Potential of ICT for Education – A Multistakeholder Approach

Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. It contributes to building a modern and thriving society and empowers communities and citizens to fully participate in development and prosperity. While the right to education is recognized as fundamental for each citizen, access to it is not guaranteed. In the developing world, the essential building blocks for education systems are suffering from deficiencies, ICT can help respond to these challenges and create the environment that is conducive for effective and quality education systems. “Harnessing the Potential of ICT for Education – A Multistakeholder Approach – Proceedings of the Dublin Global Forum of the United Nations ICT Task Force” contains key presentations and contributions from the event held on 13-15 April 2005. It captures innovative ideas and initiatives on the use of ICT in strengthening education and communities and highlights the enabling role of all relevant stakeholders. It also introduces case studies of ICT-based projects at the grassroots level and efforts to create a national infrastructure that makes use of new technologies to improve teaching and learning habits. This book is a valuable reference for anyone seeking solutions or thinking about the use of technology in education.

Attached files: ict4education_ebook.pdf (2619.75 Ko)