In a universe of communication, it is natural to use all available means to ensure the flow of information. In the fight against this new injustice – the inequality of access to knowledge caused by the divide between the info-poor and info-rich – communication is critical. No effort should be spared, not until the digital divide comes to an end.

This need is particularly strong considering that information technologies constitute an essential instrument for development. President Mandela did foresee this at the end of the 90s, when he recalled that we cannot speak about an «information society» without including all developing countries.

The DSF, set up by local authorities in 2003, then endorsed by Nations States in 2005, is the expression of this will. To reduce the «digital divide» the DSF proposes a new form of solidarity by calling all actors – private sector, civil society and public authorities – to mobilize as never before. Resources must be committed immediately, all the more so as the effort required is both realistic and achievable.

In a world based on exchange, we cannot accept that the majority of the planet is excluded from communication networks. There is simply no excuse for it.

This is the reason for this first «newsletter». By this means we wish, in a spirit of transparency and openness, to dialogue with all those committed to a fairer and more inclusive information society. This newsletter will be published once per month. We count on your feed-back and support.

Alain Clerc
Executive Secretary of the DSF