29 September 2006

Kofi Annan, the United Nations secretary-general, has highlighted the potential impact the Internet could have on the emerging world.

The official has called for the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) to take further steps in creating "an open and prosperous information society".

Mr Annan commented at a press release, as Intel board chairman Dr Craig Barrett accepted the post as GAID chairman.

The secretary added that technology and the Internet are valuable tools "for advancing development".

Dr Barrett told reporters: "The challenge for the Alliance is relatively straightforward but certainly not simple – it's really to bring the information and communication technologies and resultant development associated with the introduction of those technologies to the emerging worlds."

The United Nations Trade Conference on Trade and Development earlier this year highlighted the digital divide between the world's richest and poorest countries.

However, officials at the conference believed that ensuring everyone around the world had Internet access "could be achieved".

© Adfero Ltd

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