Connectivity Is Key To Development

04:40 | Jason Lopez | Mar 6th, 2008 6:50pm |

Broadband connectivity is rapidly becoming a bottleneck issue for economic development around the world. As nations move into knowledge-based economies, an emphasis on information and communication technologies, or ICTs, is critical to addressing poverty and development concerns ranging from health and education to economic and industrial growth. Knowledge is the driving engine for economic growth, social development, cultural enrichment, and for political empowerment, according to Abdul Waheed Kahn, assistant director-general for communication and information at UNESCO. In this video podcast, he makes the case that enabling a knowledge workforce increasingly requires reliable access to information. As Intel’s John Davies explains, more and more, that means bringing broadband to parts of the world where even basic economic development remains a challenge. IICD Communication Coordinator Hilde Eugelink explains how even simple, relatively small investments in education can have a significant impact on communities and economies.

Hilde Eugelink is communication coordinator with the International Institute for Communication and Development and John Davies is vice president of Intel’s sales and marketing group and the general manager of Intel’s World Ahead initiative.