The 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which envisions “The Future We Want”, has singled out information and communication technologies (ICTs) in facilitating the flow of information between governments and the public, promoting knowledge exchange, technical cooperation and capacity building for all three pillars of sustainable development – economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
While reaffirming their commitment to the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society, Member States also stated that “information and communication technology (ICT) is facilitating the flow of information between governments and the public.
In this regard, it is essential to work toward improved access to ICT, especially broadband network and services, and bridge the digital divide, recognizing the contribution of international cooperation” to enhance agriculture services and improve communication infrastructure, especially in least developed countries and small island developing states.
The need for cooperation and sharing of early warning systems from relevant organizations, and the importance of technologies for mapping, observing and sustainable development policy-making were also recognized.
“It is appropriate that ICT have been recognized as critical instruments to achieve sustainable development by the landmark Rio+20 conference”, said ITU secretary-general Hamadoun Touré.
ICTs are unique, cost-effective, inclusive and environment friendly tools to spur green growth and create jobs, promote social progress, and ensure environmental protection and the sustainable future that we want he added.
The essential role of ICTs and Broadband networks was supported by the United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS), the ministry of communications, government of Brazil and a number of other government, business and civil society partners. Together, they reinforced the message that ICTs are cross-cutting drivers of sustainable development.
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Quelle/Source: Voice & Data Online, 25.06.2012
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