User:Pmaaac/sandbox

ICT4D (Information and Communications Technologies for Development) is an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide (the disparity between technological "have" and "have not" geographic locations or demographic groups) and aiding economic development by ensuring equitable access to up-to-date communications technologies. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) include any communication device -- encompassing radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning.

ICT applications have a profound direct and indirect impact on the political, economic, social, cultural and everyday life of a huge number of citizens in the developing world, including education, governance, job creation and e-commerce and thus on economic growth and social systems.

ICT development addresses important challenges that the developing world is facing, such as the 'brain drain' problem, and offers solutions to problems encountered in important sectors such as health, education, civil protection, protection of the environment, etc.

Access and connectivity to ICT are critical not to the technologies themselves but to the integration of developing and transition economy countries into the global knowledge society, supporting the social, economic and cultural integration of their societies and setting roots for enhancing efficiency and growth in key sectors of their economies.