The «1% digital solidarity»

An equitable information society cannot be envisioned without new forms of solidarity and innovative financing mechanisms. Awareness must be raised. Political and economic decision-makers can no longer shirk their responsibility. Inherent to the digital divide is a cognitive divide that runs the risk of permanently marginalising disconnected populations.

The social, political, cultural and economic consequences of this divide will affect both North and South. This includes large numbers of young Africans who are understandably eager to benefit from the advantages offered by the information society. Appropriate measures must be taken to address these challenges. The DSF has been set up to reduce the digital divide. It fights to provide marginalised populations with access to information, in order to give young people a chance to flourish in the land where they were born.

The DSF proposes a simple and effective «1% digital solidarity» principle for all ICT related commercial transactions. It is painless for the private sector, does not affect public budgets and contributes to enlarging the markets of ICT companies. Mindful of the fact that the information society is made up of a large number of interconnected actors, the DSF also seeks the support of local authorities, asking them to include a digital solidarity clause in all invitations to tender related to ICT products or services.

The mechanism proposed by the DSF does not replace other forms of aid; it is the best way of acting today to avoid the worst.

Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary