Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

AusAID supports the integration of ICTs within the objectives and activities of its broader official aid program to meet the objectives of reducing poverty and promoting growth, peace and stability. In 2002 Australia announced a new policy framework for its official aid program that includes as one of five guiding themes, assisting developing countries access and maximise the benefits from new information technologies.

Areas of Application:

General areas of application include:

► Development of policy frameworks for development and use of ICTs
► Building human capital to fully utilise opportunities presented by ICTs
► Developing and delivering quality development knowledge
► Developing supporting and coordinating appropriate knowledge infrastructure
► Acting as a catalyst for the development and adoption of appropriate ICTs

Specific areas of application include:

► Education and distance education
► Agriculture
► Health
► Governance

The Virtual Colombo Plan (VCP), a joint initiative with the World Bank, launched in 2001, for the use of ICTs in development. Its objectives are to enhance partner countries' development outcomes by:

► improving access to quality development    knowledge through ICTs
► enhancing education outcomes through use of ICTs
► promoting and facilitating an enabling environment for the appropriate use of ICTs in development 

Current key component activities include:

► Participation and support in the World Bank Development Gateway initiative and Global Development Learning Network (GDLN)
► Establishing the Australian Development Gateway - an internet portal specialising in development information
► Distance education scholarships

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

World Bank Knowledge Initiative