Solidarity - a new opportunism?

The term ‘solidarity’ is a popular buzzword, but what do we understand by it? Should we only view it within the context of the community, or in the relationship between nations and globalisation, or even between different nations? There are many variations. However, what is clear is that more solidarity is needed at every level. The transition from a (colonial) industrial society to a global information society is a tremendous opportunity to institute a new type of solidarity. Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), promoting exchanges and access to knowledge, can paradoxically serve as a foundation for a more humane world. This was the message of developing countries and civil society when they called for the creation of the DSF.

The Fund has demonstrated that this is possible, at no cost, through the “1% digital solidarity” contribution paid by ICT companies on contracts for IT products and services. This contribution, which will be entirely reinvested into the ICT sector, will stimulate the development of new markets in currently underdeveloped regions. In 2006, the total value of ICT transactions was 2,600 billion Euros. One percent of this sum would be 26 billion Euros. Of course, in practice, this sum will never be collected, because the digital solidarity contribution is a voluntary funding mechanism. These figures do show, however, that this type of solidarity is possible, provided everyone assumes their responsibilities. That is the meaning of co-development.

The alternative – i.e. confrontation – would certainly be much more costly for everyone, particularly those who have chosen to ignore opportunities to act in a responsible manner, guided by this idea of solidarity. Today, we have the chance to build the solidarity of the future, by applying the “1%digital solidarity” principle.

Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary