Themes

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Traditionally associated with infrastructure development, ICTs now have a much greater impact on development and poverty reduction.

In contrast to focusing on the ICT sector or the technology itself, the term ''ICTs for Development'' refers to the use of ICT for development purposes and generally involves integrating ICTs into broader development goals such as reform in health care systems or the delivery of basic education in rural and remote regions. ICTs can help improve:

• communication for quick and easy access, dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge;
• productivity to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and responsiveness of institutions, firms, and markets;
• accountability to increase transparency in private and public institutions and in regulatory and policy processes;
• inclusiveness to increase access to services, information, and resources for poor and marginalized groups; and
• empowerment for a greater voice in the public decision-making process.

(Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2003)

CIDA's efforts focus on three types of activities:

ICT Mainstreaming
Domestic Partners
Global Initiatives

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Mainstreaming

CIDA's long-term goal regarding ICTs for Development is to ensure the effective and strategic use of ICTs in CIDA's development programs in order to contribute effectively to global poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In order to achieve this goal, the Agency is actively engaging CIDA staff and others on issues and opportunities related to ICTs for Development, helping to mainstream ICTs as a tool to support CIDA programming, and supporting the development of tools and guidelines aimed at the effective use of ICTs by CIDA staff.

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Domestic Partners

CIDA is strengthening its relationship with like-minded domestic partners, including other government departments and organizations as well as stakeholders from Canadian civil society and the private sector.

Our key partners are:

• International Development Research Centre
• Industry Canada
• Statistics Canada
• Telecommunications Executive Management Institute of Canada

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Global Initiatives

CIDA participates in a number in global initiatives on ICTs for development, including the World Summit on the Information Society, World Bank's InfoDev, Global Knowledge Partnership and UN ICT Task Force. These initiatives provide the Agency with opportunities to engage stakeholders from industrialized and developing countries working in this field. It also allows CIDA to benefit and learn from their experiences and best practices while sharing ideas on how to harness the potential of ICTs as a tool for development.