The Advisory Boards also adopted action plans to guide the practical implementation of these Initiatives. The Action Plans define essential areas for the Initiatives to thrive, including global advocacy and dialogue, innovation, and resource mobilization.
The report on the M-Empowering Development Initiative argues that technological innovations and initiatives using mobile phones can bring exponential benefits to entire communities and make a valuable contribution to the global development agenda. It calls for the creation of an enabling regulatory environment for m-Empowering initiatives, ensuring that no citizen is excluded due to issues of affordability, accessibility, or availability. The report also asserts that mobile initiatives must be addressed holistically to avoid a siloed, top-down approach.
The Smart and Sustainable Development Model Initiative Report focuses on the link between ICTs for Development (ICT4D) and ICTs for Disaster Management (ICT4DM) and their role in sustainable development processes. ICTs can have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and nations, as targeted technological solutions can be used at each stage of disaster management, including disaster preparedness, mitigation, and post-disaster recovery. However, without a supportive regulatory framework, the potential benefits of ICTs are significantly diminished. The report urges governments to build more resilient telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in developing countries where it is most vulnerable to failure.
The reports will soon be available online on the Initiatives' websites:
The Smart Sustainable Development Model (SSDM) Initiative is an international multi-stakeholder platform that seeks to link ICTs for development with ICTs for disaster management, in order to achieve sustainable development.
The M-Empowering Development Initiative seeks to leverage the ubiquity of mobile technology beyond basic communications. Its aim is to capitalize on the availability of mobile networks to strengthen the economy and create new opportunities to improve healthcare, education, governance, banking, sports, and commerce.
The next meetings of the Advisory Boards will be held during the second quarter of 2015.
