New York - The United Nations, in an attempt to bridge the digital divide between rich and poor nations, has decided to set up an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Task Force.
"it is crucial that the Task Force be set up as soon as possible. There are so many fingers in the IT (Information Technology) pie, if the UN wants to regain its leadership, it must act now," says Percy Mangoaela, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Open-ended Working Group on Informatics.
Mangoaela believes this may be possible as the task force would work independently of the UN above the turf wars that sometimes arise within the UN bodies. Although no firm date has been set for the formation of the Task Force, it seems probable it will be in place early next year.
"The purpose of the mechanism will be to recommend the terms of reference, mandate and composition of the Task Force and also recommendations for the Trust Fund. What is likely to be a three-or four-person group of high-level advisers, will probably comprise members of the private and public sectors, of foundations and civil society. There are already names in mind and discussions taking place," says Mangoaela.
The UN produced its first-ever Ministerial Declaration on advancing development by fostering "digital opportunity" last month. The document sets out ICT policy and strategy, concluding, "partnerships, involving national governments, bilateral and multilateral development actors, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders should play a key role".
Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, is enthusiastic. He said last week: "If we succeed in this task, we will ensure that poor countries can join the knowledge-based global economy-by giving their people a powerful tool with which to make their voices heard and to combat ignorance and disease.
At present, an estimated 294 million people have access to the Internet and e-commerce is expected to reach $7 trillion by 2004. However, only half of the world\'s population has access to a telephone line and only five percent are connected to the Internet.
