The rapid spread of information and communications technologies (ICT) is changing the way economic and social development occurs in most countries. New ICT-related tools can make institutions and markets more productive, enhance skills and learning, improve governance at all levels, and make it easier for the poor to access services and make their voices heard.

Innovative and Evolving

The uses of ICT to further development goals are evolving. Techniques to boost crop yield, improve well-drilling, or teach mothers how to better care for infants can be sent instantly around the world. Health specialists can more effectively coordinate to halt the spread of diseases. Citizens can learn about how to open a company online, instead of waiting in long lines at government offices, saving time and money for everyone involved.

Most encouraging is that the brightest ideas are nowadays coming not from a garage in Silicon Valley, but from a software shop in Bangalore, a government data administration office in Pretoria, or an Internet café in São Paulo. The globalization of ICT is freeing millions of bright minds to work together in ways never before possible.

Unlocking Potential

Helping unlock ICT’s development potential and spreading it around the globe is the motivating force behind the Development Gateway Foundaton. Our programs target both the global and local levels, and the reach of our work is extended through hundreds of partnerships for development.

Resources

Visit The Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID) and the Development Gateway® portal for ICT and development, information and knowledge sharing worldwide. Read this blog for thoughts in understanding this relationship between growth and ICT in Indian context.

UNDP is working in 166 countries to help develop the capacities required to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Capacity is the ability of individuals, institutions and societies to perform functions, solve problems, and set and achieve objectives in a sustainable manner. Capacity Development (CD) is thereby the process through which individuals, organisations and societies obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time.

Over the years, the following capacity development strategies have emerged as good practice for UNDP based on learning from applications. These strategies may be applied to address capacity development needs in a variety of sectors that speak to integrated approaches to development. Selection of capacity development strategies should be predicated upon findings from a capacity assessment exercise:

1. Capacity Assessments
- Capacity Assessment Supporting Tool
- Capacity Assessment Methodology User’s Guide
2. Education, Training and Learning
3. Leadership Capacities
4. Institutional Reform and Incentives
- Institutional Reform and Change Management
- Incentive Systems
5. Accountability and Voice Mechanisms
- Mutual Accountability Mechanisms
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Processes

Please visit http://www.capacity.undp.org for resources on Cpacity Development.