2016 ICT4D Conference

The Sustainable Development Goals, represent a commitment on the part of leaders around the world to ending poverty in all its forms. As such they recognize that a holistic approach is needed to step up to the social, environmental and economic challenges of creating a world in which all people live in dignity and peace and have the opportunity and natural resources to achieve their full human potential for generations to come. No one doubts the difficulty of meeting this commitment– particularly when we are faced with new challenges – environmental degradation and climate change, expanding populations, the spread of new diseases and increasing numbers of conflicts – this at a time where millions of people still do not have access to basic services and continue to live in poverty and hunger.

It will take the combined talent and efforts of organizations from all walks of life to find new ways of working and interacting that help us address complex development issues. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are key enabler of these changes – changes that not only improve the efficiency and impact of development work – but create sustainable approaches to providing the information and services that empower communities, families, and individuals to live healthy and prosperous lives. The SDG ICT Playbook is a resource that is designed to help our organizations leverage technology in the work they undertake to address the SDGs. The presentations and discussions during the course of the ICT4D conference build on many of the themes laid out in the Playbook and aim to move the community forward in leveraging the full potential of ICT in their work.