Archived Newsroom • Media Advisory |
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Is technology the key to accelerating development?
Wireless and broadband are offering new hope
to some LDCs
Geneva, 27 April 2011 – With
information and communication technology (ICT) widely acknowledged as a key
driver of development across other social and economic sectors, the Brussels LDC
III conference in 2001 set clear 10-year targets for improved ICT access in
Least Developed Countries.
Back then, average telephone density in LDCs was less than 1 line per 100
inhabitants, and fewer than 0.2% of LDC inhabitants had access to an internet
connection.
How successful have governments been in achieving the ambitious goals laid out
in the Brussels Programme of Action? Which countries are the star performers –
and which still need substantial assistance to improve their levels of ICT
penetration? What are the future projections under the LDC-IV Programme of
Action?
ITU’s latest figures on ICT development in LDCs reveal some surprising results –
both across technologies, and between LDCs.
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What:
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Press conference
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When:
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10 May, 10:30am-11:30am
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Where:
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The Loft, Lutfi Kirdar Congress Centre,
Istanbul, Turkey
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Why:
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Latest statistics on ICT penetration in LDCs
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Who:
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Presentation by ITU Secretary-General, Dr
Hamadoun Touré, and Director of ITU’s
Telecommunication Development Bureau, Mr Brahima
Sanou.
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This event is open to all journalists accredited to attend the LDC IV
conference. To apply for accreditation, go to
www.un.org/en/media/accreditation/form/index.html. We regret that no media can be admitted without an LDC IV Media badge.
For more information, please contact:
Cosmas
Zavazava
Chief, Projects and Initiatives Department,
Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU,
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Gary Fowlie
Head, New York Liaison Office,
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