28 February 2007

New technologies can help to foster an international community based on "development, dignity and peace", according to the UN Secretary General.

Ban Ki-moon made the comments when addressing a gathering of government, technology, industry and action group leaders at the steering committee meeting of the Global Alliance for Information and Communications Technologies and Development.

"Let us turn the digital divide into digital opportunity," said Mr Ban, urging the various sectors to cooperate and "promote new business models, public policies and technology solutions in the global approach to development".

Craig Barrett, chairman of the Intel Corporation and Global Alliance Chair, added that new technology has the potential to improve the economy of emerging countries.

"It's time to focus on actions with results, not protocol," he asserted. "Our focus can improve people's lives."

Last year, the EU pledged to create a fully inclusive information society, which it claimed would be key to future economic prosperity in Europe.

© Adfero Ltd

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