Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are crucial in improving access to health and education services and creating new sources of income and employment for the poor. Being able to access and use ICTs has become a major factor in driving competitiveness, economic growth and social development. In particular, mobile phones are opening up new channels for connectivity and contributing to the free flow of ideas and opinions.

The work was launched and co-ordinated by Raili Lahnalampi, Sam Paltridge and Karine Perset from the OECD and Tim Kelly from infoDev/World Bank. The workshop examined some of the main challenges in closing the discrepancies in access to ICTs and use of ICTs between countries. It also suggested best practices for more coherent and collaborative approaches in support of poverty reduction and meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

To purchase the report visit the OECD online bookshop at:

http://www.oecdbookshop.org/oecd/display.asp?lang=EN&sf1=identifiers&st1=9789264077393