Launched within the context of the World Summit on the Information Society in June 2005, Connect the World is a multistakeholder initiative that aims to help expand access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to the estimated 800 000 villages and one billion people worldwide for whom making a simple telephone call remains out of reach. By showcasing current development efforts, tracking progress and identifying both pressing needs as well as opportunities for collaboration, Connect the World will help generate the momentum required to "connect the unconnected by 2015."