R. CLUZEL The first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS, Geneva 2003) resulted in a "call to action" by world leaders to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in the service of development. This call is based on the following trends: A rapid evolution of knowledge, which requires the improvement of the access to and the quality of education at all levels from basic education to life-long learning; A rapid evolution of technologies, in particular, ICTs, which offer solutions for distance services, in particular for research and training; The globalization process, which increases the pressure on the economies of developing countries and know-how based competitiveness; The WSIS Action Plan stated that information and communication infrastructure is an essential foundation for the information society (Action Ca2 Action Plan), especially, through: National e-strategies, the provision and improvement of ICT connectivity for all schools, universities, health institutions, libraries, community centers, museums and other institutions accessible to the public, in line with the indicative targets; Encouragement of research on the Information Society, including on innovative forms of networking, adaptation of ICT infrastructure, tools and applications that facilitate accessibility of ICTs for all, and disadvantaged groups in particular; Launching pilot projects to design new forms of ICT-based networking, linking education, training and research institutions between and among developed and developing countries and countries with economies in transition. |
