According to the Secretary General of the Francophonie (OIF) Abdou Diouf, information and communication technology (ICT) constitutes an essential tool in the achievement of the Millennium Goals

What danger does the digital divide represent for the developing countries?

Inequalities of access to the digital world are symptomatic of the inequalities of development. As technological innovations progress, the digital divide is growing wider. This inequality is all the more serious in that it gives rise to an incapacity to use the most up-to-date and efficient technologies, which are essential if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

How can the international community reduce the digital divide?

There is no such thing as digital fatalism! All our energies must be mobilized to meet the challenge of the digital divide. Governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, international organizations, all must be motivated by the same desire for solidarity and work towards setting up a national strategy for the «information society».

Can the 1% digital solidarity contribution on ICT-related transactions finance the challenge of the digital divide?

Traditional international financing schemes have shown their limits in supporting the deployment of communication infrastructures and digital initiatives with a social, cultural and educational intention. A digital solidarity contribution on the acquisition of ICT equipment is one of the best ways of contributing to the reduction of the digital divide. Indeed, the OIF was the first organization to accept the application of the contribution to digital solidarity proposed by the DSF.

How do you see the responsibility of the ICT businesses?

While it remains true that the private sector’s prime objective is to make a profit, ICT businesses are seen as partners in the effort to build the information society. Digital solidarity requires the business world, the public authorities and civil society to fully assume their responsibilities within the limits of their competences. The 1% digital solidarity contribution provides an opportunity for businesses to participate, with the international community, in the development of a more equitable information society.

Can ICT contribute to the OIF’s goals?

It is not by chance that we have chosen «Information Technologies in Education » as the theme for the Eleventh Francophonie Summit to be held in Bucharest on 28 and 29 September, for we are convinced that ICT can make a major contribution to broadening access to quality education and promoting literacy for all. Technology can help to establish a truly inclusive information society and a knowledge economy; it privileges a process of development that respects cultural and linguistic diversity.