Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

The objective of the Austrian Development Co-operation is to promote sustainable economic development in its partner countries, which should have immediate repercussions on the fight against poverty.

The Austrian Development Co-operation is conscious of the fact that ICT (information and communication technology) can contribute to increasing the North-South divide and that it can be just as well a powerful tool in the combat against poverty. All depends on how ICT potentialities are exploited.

All projects and programmes shall be designed in concert with persons concerned, who are to be considered as equal partners. An intensive cultural exchange and direct contacts between Austria and developing countries will also help to promote mutual understanding.

The principles of respect for human rights, promotion of democratic structures and good governance, gender equality, and environmental protection form the basis of the Austrian Development Co-operation.

In the future, the Austrian Development Co-operation intends to integrate, where feasible, ICTs in every new project/programme of development co-operation.

Areas of Application:

n/a

No specific programme but some investment in the telecommunication sector. Furthermore, ICT activities are being incorporated into present sector strategies.

In every education and small business sector project, necessary electronic linkages and ICT are integrated.

In institution building projects, IT infrastructure and IT know-how is provided.

Projects include:

► The construction of a small power plant in Nepal at 3,000m above sea level enabled the introduction of telephone lines.
► Train the trainer programme and establishment of an education and communication centre in Bhutan.
► Internet projects and promotion/creation of websites for local SMEs in Zimbabwe.
► University distance courses in Nicaragua.
► Scholarship for distance education in Uganda.
► Equipment support and know-how transfer for Ministries of Education in Africa.
► Support of computer businesses in Romania and Bulgaria.
► ICT to administer micro-finance projects.
► Support to science and research networks for North-South exchange of information and experience in the education sector.

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

n/a

The main regional focus is on the least developed countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as the poorest populations in other countries.

Ms. Edda Weiss, Director, Division VII.4, General Matters, Coordination and Information on Development Co-operation, AbtVii4@bmaa.gv.at