Information society : regional dimensions Africa, Europe & North America, Latin America & Caribbean, Asia & Pacific, Western Asia.

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (lCT) are an increasingly important tool for social and economic development and are the driving force behind the transition towards economies and societies based on information and knowledge. For developing and transition economies, ICT can provide a means to leapfrog some long and painful stages in the development process and help to stimulate growth and prosperity. The regional perspective is an indispensable intermediate stage in bringing together national particularities and global requirements for the Information Society. The Regional Commissions will have an important role to play in the successful implementation of the outcomes of the first phase of WSIS through technical assistance, capacity building and training; facilitating peer dialogue, exchange of experience and promoting good practices; and in the design and future development of national and regional Information Society strategies and roadmaps.