Fourth, some developing countries were rapidly building up their capacities in ICT related services.

d) Create an enabling environment that will promote equitable and affordable access to ICT infrastructure and services

1.196 All ICT services will have been enhanced through implementation of a clearly defined strategy and implementation plan.

Evidence shows that growth in ICT goods and services trade has been higher than growth in total trade.

The Information Technology Services Division has been working with some departments on the development of their ICT strategy.

ICT innovations14 2.7 Shaping the ICT environment15

Experts observed that the tourism sector is often the first segment within the public sector to provide ICT related services and therefore often contributes substantially to the adoption of a national ICT policy.

In the context of the ICT Network, it is important to note that, further to a decision of its governing body (Management Committee), the International Computing Centre is pursuing the following five ICT initiatives common payroll system global messaging system United Nations ICT training ICT services sourcing strategy and information security, disaster recovery and business continuity.

This will require the least developed countries to create an enabling environment for ICT related investment and competitive services.

The list covers four broad areas of measurement basic ICT infrastructure and access, ICT access and use by households, ICT use by businesses and the ICT sector and trade in ICT goods.

Sustainability will be enhanced by training local staff to maintain ICT facilities and by the commercial viability of the services provided.

The ICT Network (ICT directors of the entities of the United Nations system), in close collaboration with the ICT Task Force, developed a proposal on a system wide ICT strategy.

ICT applications, in general, have been introduced to upgrade service delivery in terms of wider access to services, enhanced efficiency and timeliness, a more citizen centred approach to services, and greater effectiveness, relevance and quality of services.

Although Africa had the potential to reap significant gains from ICT, access to information and communication services was still insignificant in Africa.

ICT sector statistics

ICT access points can act as vehicles for launching various services for empowering disadvantaged communities through networking and sharing of information and knowledge.

Furthermore, an ICT advisory board and ICT steering committee have been established to streamline the introduction of new ICT initiatives at UNOPS, and the new ICT infrastructure has complied with guidelines and industry best practice.

Such services may include informal ICT based training and specific applications in areas such as e health, e business, e government and e learning.

ICT and women's empowerment

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Other ICT use indicators

ICT and e business

Audit of ICT management

2.2 ICT production opportunities10

1. Converging ICT systems9

2.2 ICT production opportunities

The core list covered three broad areas of measurement basic ICT infrastructure and access, ICT access and use by households, and ICT access and use by businesses.

Memorandums of understanding for ICT production services and for development services were expected to be signed with UNFPA in the second quarter of 2005 and memorandums of understanding with UNOPS will be executed soon thereafter.

The standards task force of the ICT Board continues to address ICT standards throughout the Secretariat.

The UNCCD Secretariat is supported by a small information and communication technology (ICT) team providing a range of services including the computer network, electronic mail system, web services, conference meeting servicing, staff training and help desk.

It embraces the idea of universal, accessible, equitable and affordable ICT infrastructure and services as a key goal of all stakeholders that will help build it.

The Advisory Committee has commented extensively on ICT related issues in its review of requirements of the Office of Central Support Services in part VIII above.

The quality of ICT services in the future may be impaired, however, by the current budgetary constraints that have limited the update of equipment and technology.

Regional ICT Policy and Regulation

UN ICT Task Force (2003).

ICT and tourism for development

C. Measuring ICT for development

ICT information and communication technology

ICT Information and communication technology

2. ICT innovations and opportunities8

2. ICT scenarios for 200519

2. ICT innovations and opportunities

Figure 1. Converging ICT systems

2.4 ICT applications for development

2.7 Shaping the ICT environment