ICTs a tool for development?

ICT4D refers to use of ICTs in the fields of socioeconomic development, international development and human rights. The goal of ICT4D is to make use of the ongoing transformation by actively using the enabling technology to improve living conditions of societies and segments. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play a critical role in sustainable human development and poverty eradication. ICT is a powerful enabler of development goals because of the way in which it improves communication and the exchange of knowledge and information necessary for development processes. ICT is pervasive and cross-cutting, impacts the full range of human activity and has become one of the main enablers in the pursuit of poverty alleviation and wealth creation in developed and developing countries. As accelerator, driver, multiplier and innovator, ICTs are powerful if not indispensable tools in the massive scaling up and interlinkage of development interventions and outcomes. ICTs also play a critical role in speeding up the flow of information and knowledge between government and citizens and transforming the way in which governments and citizens interact. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the challenge for all countries is to create and develop a system of governance that promotes, supports and sustains human development. Governments in many parts of the world have made huge ICT investments aimed at improving governance processes. The rapid diffusion of mobile technology has brought forward new opportunities to foster public service delivery and access to public information, enhance the transparency and accountability of public institutions and private organizations, and empower stakeholders to have louder voices in key decision-making processes. The potential of ICTs as key enablers of development, and as critical components of innovative development solutions, is fully recognized in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. However, all stakeholders should consider that in order to fully use ICTs for development the necessary content and skills should be accompany the enabling environment, including broadband Internet, mobile technologies and applications.