ICT4D can make a change

ICT4D is an abbreviation for Information and Communications Technologies for Development. It 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.

The United Nations writes that over the past two decades, information communication technologies (ICTs) have evolved dramatically in transforming societies, cultures and economies. The world has witnessed changes brought about by the rapid advancement of technologies in the ICT ecosystem such as the social media, big data and the Internet of Things. Mobile technologies and broadband connectivity, already pervasive in developed countries, is being rapidly deployed in developing countries and emerging markets. Social networks have made profound changes and impacts on the ways people interact with one another and with their governments. Open government data and cloud computing, coupled with consumerisation of mobile devices, have further enriched the ecosystem.

Indeed, it is not surprising that the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development has embraced the spread of ICTs and global interconnectedness as having great potential to accelerate human progress, to bridge the digital divide and to develop knowledge societies. Governments worldwide are now cognizant of the power of ICTs and e-government for the advancement and transformation of the public sector landscape.

In Sweden there is an initiative called SPIDER. That is abbreviation for The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions. Spider is a resource centre in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). We bring together actors from different parts of society to promote and improve the use of ICT for development. Thematically, they have three focus areas: Transparency and Accountability, Education and Learning; and Health and Wellbeing. In these they support developing country projects, create networks in a certain theme or geographical area to further ICT in the development context.

You can read more about the ICT4D and the Human Development and Capability Approach in a UN Report from 2010.