Intel calls for greater push for information and communications technology as key driver of developing economies

Speaking at the Government Technology Summit and Exhibition 2006, held in Dubai under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Abdulrahman Jarrar, Intel's regional manager for Government Affairs for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa said the impact ICT can make on a socio-economic level can make a difference to the speed of development, but only if the public and private sector work together.

"More attention needs to be paid to the role IT can play in helping raise social and economic standards in the developing world," said Jarrar. "If the world's governments and technology firms continue to work apart, then only slow progress will be made."

"Partnering public and private sector on compelling ICT initiatives in developing nations can have more of a powerful impact on the socio-economic structure of a country than having vendors and governments 'going it alone'."

The importance of ICT and the way it is transforming the world, was confirmed with the UN's decision to hold the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which was held in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva hosted by the Government of Switzerland in 2003, with the second phase hosted by the Government of Tunisia in Tunis, during November 2005. Indicators from the Summit pointed to the growing importance of the role of ICTs not only as a medium of communication, but also as a development enabler.

"Intel's aim is to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, everywhere in the world through its World Ahead program, and through its Digital Transformation Initiative for the Middle East," added Jarrar. Intel's World Ahead Program launched globally earlier this year aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world. Focused on people in the world's developing communities, it integrates and extends Intel's efforts to advance progress in three areas: accessibility, connectivity, and education.

"We aim at accomplishing this not only by extending digital accessibility but to develop the right technology tailored to local needs, drive critical connectivity, cultivate sustainable local capabilities and provide the education needed to make a meaningful difference in people's lives," Jarrar added.

By the end of 2004, there were an estimated 840 million Internet users worldwide - just over 13 percent of the world's population with the highest penetration rates in Europe and the Americas. Whilst Internet penetration lags by comparison in Asia, Africa and the rest of the world, technology that embraces Wi-Fi and WiMAX are helping to bridge the gap on last-mile broadband technologies.

The Government and Technology Summit, with Intel as silver sponsor, is targeted at senior IT decision makers of the public and government and brings government buyers and technology providers together in a professional yet interactive atmosphere to discuss how technology can turn their strategic vision into reality.