om the ITU Secretary-General ITU remains committed to connecting the world. The fi nancial crisis is challenging many fi rms, with much at stake – yet, given the strategic importance of the ICT industry in underpinning the communication ca-pabilities Where do developing countries stand in relation to stimulus plans and what are the implications for the digital divide? Much of this Report draws on capitalist economic theory and the initial experience of OECD countries in responding to recession, but what are the key policy conclusions for developing countries? We are at an early stage, where answers to many of these questions remain tentative. Neverthe-less, and informational and data processing needs of other industries, we cannot afford to fail in our ambitions to provide connectivity to all the world’s inhabitants. The ICT industry is an industry based on technological advances and innovation as a long-term investment for the future. If the industry can navigate these uncertain times successfully over the next few years, I fi rmly believe that its long-term future success will be assured and that the ICT sector has a major role to play in fuelling the economic recovery. it is important to address these issues upfront, to ensure that stimulus funds are well-spent to the ben-efi t of developing countries and the ICT industry at a time of limited resources. The policy choices made now will determine how much countries and nations benefi t from next-generation technologies. Dr Hamadoun I. Touré ITU Secretary-General Confronting the Crisis: ICT Stimulus Plans for Economic Growth 7