Information and Communication Technology for Development in the Pacific

Abstract

The objective of this booklet is to raise awareness among the different stakeholders on the role ICT may play in helping to develop the Pacific region. As there is no consolidated information available on the use of ICT in the region, this publication will assist in defining strategic directions and encourage organizations to reduce poverty by improving the delivery of basic services, such as education and health, through the use of ICT. The term “ICT” describes the use of computer-based technology and the Internet to make information and communication services available to a wide range of users. The term is used broadly to address a range of technologies, including telephones. Central to these is the Internet, which provides the mechanism for transporting data in a number of formats including text, images, sound, and video. Additionally, ICT deals with the application layer, the systems that enable information to be collected and distributed, analyzed, and processed. However, while ICT is generally adaptable to different information needs and circumstances, its effectiveness in solving development issues still depends on the content it carries. ICT does not create information and does not verify its validity, which is still a human endeavor.