ICTs For Human- Based Development

Although we know that knowledge, information, and communication are essential development tools, the World Summit on Information Society—which emphasizes the Millennium Development Goals—should recall the common resolve that information and communication technologies (ICT) are not only technological devices but also the main instruments for the development of human capacity. What does this mean? And, what should we do next?
We must develop an international dialogue among diverse stakeholders—North and South—on ICT as the instrument to develop human capacity. We should do so with the hope that this dialogue will lead global society to make the benefits of ICT available to all people in order to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development. To empower people and build human capacity in diverse sectors—government; civil society; the private sector—helps people reach a common understanding about using ICT to solve development challenges. And, we must develop partnership mechanisms, especially in the South, to re-iterate a global commitment to address the development challenges posed by the digital divide.
At the same time, and although participatory development is meant to involve many stakeholders and social groups, we must pay special attention to a particular social group: Youth. Young persons are the present and future ICT users and will be its innovators. Their experience is digital. Paying special attention to empowering young persons and their role in an information society is the logical effect of their unique experience with ICT.
Let us make a better world for all by recognizing the right to development, advocating a diverse international discussion that understands ICT as a means for developing human capacity, and empowering individuals by sharing ICT’s benefits at local, national, regional, and international levels.

• This note is published in the International Journal of Civil Society Law, Volume II ,Issue 2