Technology for International Development
Now that many developing countries are experiencing the rapid diffusion of technologies such as the internet and mobile phones, the innovative application of these technologies is achieving real social impact in areas such as healthcare, education and economic development. These are key areas of focus in the Millennium Development Goals (agreed in 2000, to be achieved by 2015), therefore digital inclusion could have an important role to play in reaching the MDGs and supporting international development.
Background Briefing
In 2000, 147 heads of state and governments committed themselves to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The eight MDGs break down into 21 quantifiable targets which are measured by 60 indicators. The eighth MDG, which is to develop a global partnership for development, includes the explicit target to make ICTs available worldwide: “In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications”.
Many developing countries are now experiencing the rapid diffusion of technologies such as the internet and mobile phones . Between 2000-2004, the number of people in low-income countries with mobile phone subscriptions nearly doubled. Furthermore, growth rates for internet users in low-income countries has, in recent years, outstripped high-income countries.
A wide range of public, private and third sector organisations and entrepreneurial individuals in developing countries are grasping the opportunities for development presented by the diffusion of new technologies. Innovative applications of digital technologies to achieve social impact are emerging in areas such as healthcare, education and economic development.
The Current Picture
The Alliance for Digital Inclusion will explore how successful UK digital inclusion projects and initiatives could be shared with developing countries, and equally, how projects that have achieved impact in developing countries could contribute to social and economic development in deprived areas of the UK.
Click on the links below to view the documents available.
Vodafone mHealthcare presentation
LSE Critical Issues in eGovernance presentation
Technology for International Development - Workshop notes
Insight Share’s Participatory Video films are available below:
What is PV (Participatory Video) about:
Youth around the World – An intro to PV and Insight’s sporting youth changemakers programme: