Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): An enabling tool for international cooperation

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are transforming the way governments, business and individuals learn, work and communicate with each other. If they are employed strategically within development programmes to promote access and sharing of relevant knowledge as well as fostering participation of the poor and marginalised in decision- making processes that affect their lives, ICTs help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

SDC focus

The focus of SDC from 2001 to 2008 was to support international mainstreaming efforts of ICTs in development processes, e.g. through supporting a series of targeted publications, thematic roundtables and particularly through strengthening to the development perspective and the multi-stakeholder process in the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). In addition to a direct support to the WSIS process and the promotion of the active participation of Civil Society Organisations from the South and the East therein, SDC has directly participated in and supported a whole range of organisations and networks active in the area of ICT4D (see below).

Support for most of these organisations was phased out between 2008 and 2010. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is responsible for Switzerland’s commitments in this area, in collaboration with the ECOSOC Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The SDC is currently focusing on the integration of ICTs in its own projects and programmes (as a strategic instrument).

Background

ICTs encompass a full range of increasingly converging technologies, including traditional and emerging devices such as interactive community radios, television, mobile phones, computer and network hardware and software, the Internet, satellite systems, and podcasting. The effective use of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is not just a question of infrastructure and software. It also requires an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework and the development of human capacity and relevant content. Holistic and contextualised implementation of ICTs is complex as it depends considerably on the sector or theme in which they are employed as well as the overall socio-economic context (access and affordability of infrastructure, human capacity, cultural habits). Thus ICTs should not be seen as a panacea for all development problems but rather an important tool to be applied as part of a broader strategy for sustainable development.

ICTs can be employed fulfilling three partly overlapping functions:

  • Access: Using ICTs to facilitate access to and sharing of timely and relevant information and knowledge.
  • Voice and Communication: Using ICTs to strengthen the voice of poor, excluded and disadvantaged people in decision-making and self-expression of their culture.
  • Networking: Using ICTs for networking and human communication while fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve effects on a larger scale (up-scaling).

The transformative potential of ICTs as a tool can be particularly harnessed to

  • increase efficiency: reaching more people while reducing transaction costs.
  • increase effectiveness: in terms of process, ownership, participation, networking and improvement of governance and better delivery of basic services such as education agricultural extension, microfinance and health.
  • improve innovation and productivity: for example for micro, small and medium enterprises through better access to information, credit, markets and procurement using ICT tools in management, marketing and distribution channels.

Links

Documents

Connecting people for a better world
Are information and communication technologies (ICT) such as computers, TV or mobile phones effective instruments to empower people, reduce poverty and improve lives? This book offers new answers to these questions.
Publication ICT4D – Connecting people for a better world (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Up-scaling pro-poor ICT-policies and practices
a review of experience with emphasis on low income countries in Asia and Africa
[en] (PDF, 1.9 MB, English)

Building Bridges across Time and Space – Experience and Success of a Telemedicine Pilot Project in Mongolia
Asia Brief - May 2013
[en] (PDF, 4 Pages, 413.9 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies and large-scale poverty reduction - SDC/Panos 2005
Lessons from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Edited by Kitty Warnock and Ravi Wickremasinghe in cooperation with John McGill and Gerolf Weigel. Published by Panos London.
[en] (PDF, 799.0 kB, English)

ICTs and Education – Public-Private Partnership to connect Schools to the Net
A National Model in Switzerland - Summary of the Final Report
[en] (PDF, 11 Pages, 1.7 MB, English)

Deepening Participation and Improving Aid Effectiveness through Media and ICTs
A Practical Manual Translating Lessons Learned into Daily Practice – SDC Working Paper
[en] (PDF, 25 Pages, 632.2 kB, English)

Un seul monde
No 4/03 - Société de l'information
[fr] (PDF, 1.5 MB, French)

Chennai Statement - on Up-scaling Pro-Poor ICT Policies
[en] (PDF, 6 Pages, 143.3 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Poverty Reduction?
Discussion Paper - World Summit on Information Society WSIS 2003
[en] (PDF, 71 Pages, 759.0 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Poverty Reduction
in Sub Saharan Africa - A learning Study (Synthesis)
[en] (PDF, 454.3 kB, English)

Current projects

Object 1 – 12 of 1301

Asset Recovery Strategic Partnerships

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2029

Switzerland supports strategic partners in asset recovery who provide technical assistance to countries, advocate for international standards, and facilitate knowledge and exchange on international efforts and ongoing cases. The partnerships leverage Switzerland’s potential to influence the agenda more effectively, facilitate the integration of international best practices in ongoing restitution negotiations, and help ensure that returned assets benefit the populations of states of origin.


Backstopping support for SDC’s Cluster Green thematic Knowledge Networks A+FS, CDE and RésEAU

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028

As a globally active knowledge-based organisation, SDC is critically dependent on effective and efficient knowledge management. SDC’s thematic networks sit at the heart of this endeavour, rendering an essential service across the organisation and its partners by connecting network members, collecting and processing information, and retaining and distributing knowledge. State-of-the art backstopping services are essential to this activity, as is close cooperation between SDC’s thematic networks.


Response to Gender-Based Violence 25-29

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2029

In order to fight increasing gender-based violence (GBV) in humanitarian and conflict contexts, address the root causes in a sustainable way and to contribute to lasting change, Switzerland provides targeted, multi-year funding for GBV prevention and response, and invests in rights-based and survivor-centred projects of three key partners.    


Core Contribution to the Interna-tional Fund for Public Interest Me-dia (IFPIM)

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028

Public interest media in low- and middle-income countries face existential threats, impact-ing sustainable development and peace. IFPIM is an organization backing the resilience and independence of public interest media. Through SDC’s contribution to IFPIM, Swit-zerland promotes democracy by combating dis- and misinformation and ensuring media freedom and access to reliable information.


FSD Mine and UXO clearance in Kharkiv and Kherson Oblasts (MUCKKO)

01.12.2024 - 31.08.2027

This phase 02 of the project of Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) deploys the full range of mine action activities, to identify the threat of contamination, clear unexploded ordnance and mines, and educate the population to the risks. It resorts to Swiss innovation, mechanical demining machines and dogs. It builds on phase 01, gaining scale in both Kharkiv and Kherson regions and adding a strong component of building local capacity through mentorship of a Ukrainian NGO.


Mental Health for Universal Health Coverage (MH4UHC) – Phase 2

01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028

In low-resource settings, over 75% of people who need mental health support do not have access to adequate services. Co-created with the SDC, the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health responds to this urgent need by scaling up mental health services in community settings, revising mental health legislation, policies, and sharing learnings to advance the world’s mental health agenda. In this second phase, a stronger focus will be put on addressing mental disorders in humanitarian contexts.


RDC, HEKS-EPER, Aide d’urgence intégrée.

01.11.2024 - 31.10.2026

La résurgence des conflits armés en province du Nord Kivu continue d’entrainer des déplacements récurrents des populations, des violences sur les civils, des pertes de moyens d’existence ainsi que des besoins humanitaires importants. Dans une logique de continuité des phases précédentes, ce projet propose une réponse intégrée - sécurité alimentaire, moyens de subsistance, accès, eau/hygiène - pour répondre aux besoins humanitaires urgents et renforcer les mécanismes de résilience de plus que 480’000 personnes.


Fonds humanitaire régional pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre (FHRAOC)

01.11.2024 - 31.10.2025

Le Sahel central est confronté à une crise humanitaire prolongée, complexe et multiforme, marquée par des déplacements de population, l’insécurité alimentaire, des épidémies et les effets du changement climatique (inondations, sécheresse). Par cette contribution, la Suisse soutient le Fonds humanitaire régional pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre, ce qui permettra de répondre aux crises humanitaires dans la sous-région et de mener un plaidoyer efficace dans la localisation et la protection.


Nigeria, UNICEF, Improved access to quality reintegration services for children and women formerly associated with non-state armed groups in Northeast Nigeria.

01.11.2024 - 31.10.2026

Thousands of children and women have exited areas controlled by non-state armed groups in Northeast Nigeria since 2021. The project provides temporary shelter and basic services and  longer-term socio-economic reintegration to this group of civilians and other vulnerable individuals through a package of  multisectoral  assistance.  The  successful  and  sustainable  reintegration  of  these  individuals  is instrumental towards peacebuilding and complements ongoing Swiss work on peace and security.


Programme d’appui à la commercialisation du bétail en Afrique de l’Ouest Phase 2 (PACBAO-2)

01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028

La Suisse poursuit son appui à la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest-CEDEAO et aux acteurs privés de la filière bétail-viande entamé en 2018, pour faciliter les échanges commerciaux dans trois corridors reliant pays sahéliens (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Tchad) et pays côtiers (Nigeria, Bénin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire). L’objectif final est une augmentation de la sécurité alimentaire, des emplois et revenus des éleveurs et commerçants, au bénéfice d’un million de personnes.


CULTURESCAPES - phasing out 2024-2025

21.10.2024 - 31.12.2025

The biennial festival CULTURESCAPES enables artists from and around the Sahara to perform and contribute to debates on specific topics relevant to the region, and to find new partners and networks. The festival takes place in several cantons of Switzerland in cooperation with various cuItural institutions. SDC’s contribution enables specific efforts regarding research, co-productions and gives artists visibility, skills and networks to benefit the cultural scene of their countries of origin.


Clean Air China (CAC) Consolidation Phase

15.10.2024 - 15.02.2026

Air pollution poses a  significant challenge  to public health, environmental sustainability and the climate particularly in Asian countries such as China. Knowing the sources of pollution is essential  to  formulate adequate policies. The Swiss Paul Scherrer  Institute  (PSI)  together with  its Chinese  partners from the Institute of Earth Environment (IEE) will transfer an innovative air pollution source identification  model  developed  under  phase  1  and  capacitate  the  cities  to  run  the  model  independently.  

Object 1 – 12 of 1301