Technology to spur solutions for Least Developed Countries

Technology to spur solutions for Least Developed Countries

ITU hosts consultations to include ICTs in development agenda of LDCs

Geneva, 7 March 2011 – ITU will host high-level consultations to address the developmental role played by information and communication technologies (ICT) in preparation for the 4^th UN Conference on LDCs to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from 9 to 13 May this year.

ICTs play a key role in promoting economic growth and sustainability while spurring innovation in many Least Developed Countries (LDCs). New technologies, such as next-generation networks (NGN) and broadband, can act as catalysts in addressing extreme poverty, structural weaknesses of economies, climate change impacts, and the general vulnerabilities of LDCs that often expose them to immense infrastructure damage and loss of human life due to natural disasters. ITU believes that ICTs can act as accelerator to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

About ITU
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology. For over 145 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to new-generation wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology and converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

www.itu.int