Countries where most people don't have access to this technology cannot play a full part in the new global economy. And the countries which are least integrated into the global economy are, not surprisingly, those with the highest proportion of very poor people. Information technology is not a magic formula that is going to solve all our problems. The Internet can even enable him to cut out that middleman altogether and deal directly with clients far away. And there are numerous other applications from which developing countries can benefit.
Information technology can facilitate distant learning at low cost.
Information technology can also empower civil society, strengthen democratic institutions and make governments more transparent and accountable. Bridging the digital divide is not going to be easy. Overcoming the obstacles will require concerted measures from a whole range of actors. That is why I have asked my newly appointed Special Representative on Information and Communication Technologies, Costa Rican former President Jos, Figueres, to work with me at the establishment of a United Nations Digital Task Force, which will bring together governments, multilateral development institutions, private industry and foundations. This Task Force will provide overall leadership and help devise a strategy for information technology development.