United Nations Meets Silicon Valley to Help Developing World

The Strategy Council of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development, a United Nations initiative to bring the benefits of information technology to developing countries, will meet with Silicon Valley's high-tech industry this Wednesday.

At the event -- to be held at Mountain View's Computer History Museum -- prominent members of industry, academia and the venture capital community will join Global Alliance members to identify areas where the United Nations and Silicon Valley can work together to expand the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) in the developing world.

"Increasing access to technology will be a critical driver of economic growth in emerging economies," said Craig Barrett, Chair of the Global Alliance, "but it will require Silicon Valley's leaders and the public sector to work together to make their respective programs more impactful. This forum is designed to foster discussion and, more importantly, create action."

Some 250 people are expected to attend, including representatives from Malaysia, Azerbaijan, China, South Africa, Pakistan, Switzerland, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Chamber of Commerce. Silicon Valley participants include executives from communications, hardware, Internet, software and venture capital firms.

"The United Nations sees the private sector as bringing a lot to the table -- abundant resources, capacity and an entrepreneurial spirit," said Global Alliance Executive Coordinator Sarbuland Khan. "Business fuels innovation, and so many of the world's problems are crying out for innovative solutions."

Panel discussions will examine what is on the minds of Silicon Valley's innovators regarding science and technology for development; case studies of private-public sector collaboration; relevant content in developing countries; and venture capital and the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals.

"There is a need to find innovative business solutions and to invest in the right technologies for the 4.8 billion people without access to ICT," Mr. Khan said. "Developing pro-poor business models and technology solutions that can make the market grow also enhance profits for those who have the courage to think beyond the traditional modes."