The G8 Digital Opportunities Task (DOT) Force today released a report that outlines how governments, businesses and civil society can work together to advance human development and reduce poverty through the use of information and communications technologies.
This report is very timely as G8 leaders set to meet in Kananaskis to discuss strengthening economic growth and striking a new approach to promoting sustainable development in Africa, said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry. Canada's private and public sectors have worked together to equip Canada with a world-class ICT policy and regulatory environment, and infrastructure, and we are proud to join with other G8 countries to share this tremendous base of successful experience with Africa and the rest of the world.
Chaired by Industry Canada Deputy Minister V. Peter Harder, the DOT Force brought together representatives from government, business and civil society from G8 countries as well as from developing nations.
The DOT Force report follows up on the 2001 Genoa Plan of Action, which called for a concerted plan to narrow the technological gap between developed and developing nations. In less than a year, the DOT Force has developed a series of initiatives aimed at forming the key building blocks of the information society for developing countries strengthening countries' readiness for e-development, increasing access and connectivity, supporting skills development, as well as fostering local content and applications.
For example, the DOT Force has designed a network that will link together national governments, private sector bodies and international organizations to provide developing countries with access to expertise on the laws, policies and regulatory frameworks necessary for e-development.
Following the release of today's report, DOT Force partners will focus on the continued implementation of their initiatives. Their work has contributed to the dialogue on the use of ICT to further social and economic development, which will continue in other forums, such as the United Nations ICT Task Force and the World Economic Forum.
The report can be found online at http://www.dotforce.org.
For more information, please contact:
Selena Beattie
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 995-9001
Richard Simpson
Electronic Commerce Branch
Industry Canada
(613) 277-1968 (June 25)
(613) 990-4292 (post-June 25)
