UN High-Level Segment Targets Digital Divide.

• Author: Siefken, Sven T.

"Building bridges" is a metaphor often used to describe activities of the United Nations system. The most recent construction process aims to overcome the digital divide between developing and developed countries. At the same time, it seeks to appropriate information technologies as a tool for development.

Concluding the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in early July 2000, delegates agreed upon a Ministerial Declaration that summed up the deliberations of a three-day session in New York (see next page).

Stressing "new vast opportunities for economic growth and social development", the Council said there was also a need to address major obstacles to increased participation of developing countries in information and communication technology (ICT). In the exhaustive Declaration, such obstacles are identified: the lack of adequate telecommunications infrastructure, a shortage of training and literacy, and the lack of investment. At the same time, the delegates acknowledged that the promotion of communication technology cannot be a substitute for the traditional efforts to trigger development and modernization; instead, they should complement and enhance them.

Apart from the Ministerial Declaration, the most palpable outcome of the High-Level Segment are some first steps taken towards the creation of a task force for global ICT expansion. The UN Working Group on Informatics--an ECOSOC sub-body that recently coordinated a global campaign against the Y2K computer bug- was put in charge of preparing the groundwork for this task force. In line with the ideals of innovative governance, it will bring together stakeholders from public authority; international and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to facilitate the expansion of ICT in developing countries.

The High-Level Segment was historic for several reasons, according to Council President Makarim Wibisono of Indonesia. It was the first time that anyone at the level of head of State had attended an ECOSOC high-level segment. Joining in were a number of heads of international agencies, including the International Telecommunication Union and the World Trade Organization. It was also a first for representatives of the private sector to take part in the deliberations.

During the three days of statements, presentations and panel discussions, a general consensus developed that is mirrored in the eventual outcome document. Olli-Pekka...