A technological revolution is transforming society in a profound way. If harnessed and directed properly, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to improve all aspects of our social, economic and cultural life. ICTs can serve as an engine for development in the 21st century, and as an effective instrument to help us achieve all the goals of the Millennium Declaration - the landmark document adopted by a record number of leaders when they met for the Millennium Summit to address the key challenges of our time.

Yet the majority of the world's population has yet to benefit from the new technology. That is why the Millennium Summit recognized the key role of partnerships involving governments, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders in putting ICTs in the service of development. That is why, a year before, at the opening ceremony of the TELECOM 99 global event, I launched an appeal to governments and to the private sector to support the ITU initiative to convene a World Summit on the Information Society.

This global gathering will be a unique opportunity for all key players to develop a shared vision of ways to bridge the digital divide and create a truly global information society. It will be an opportunity to develop specific solutions and tools and adopt a realistic and viable plan of action. As I said in my report to the Millennium Summit, the digital divide can - and will - be bridged.

The World Summit on the Information Society is a crucial step towards this end.

Kofi Annan

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