Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

A key statement in the Finnish draft ICT–Information Society for development strategy is as follows: Information technology can be a powerful tool and needs to be used in development co-operation when it can be used to advance poverty alleviation, equity and other key objectives of development co-operation.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is the main actor involved but partnerships between e.g. research institutions and other ministries (communication, education etc.) are also promoted.

Areas of Application:

Only few ICT specific bilateral projects financed.

ICTs applied in a mainstreaming manner and much emphasis is given to the development of an inclusive information society (includes gender aspects, private sector, etc).

ICT-related development financing is directed at three levels: global policy level (e.g. WSIS), global and regional implementation (e.g. multilateral bodies and support to UNECA's, IFC's and SADC's ICT activities) and national level (often in connection with other sectors, like education).

ICT-related development financing is directed at three levels: global policy level (e.g. WSIS), global and regional implementation (e.g. multilateral bodies and support to UNECA's, IFC's and SADC's ICT activities) and national level (often in connection with other sectors, like education).

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

► WSIS
► UN ICT Task Force
► UNITeS
► infoDev

Global and partner countries in the Finnish development co-operation

Not applicable, channelled through other sectors

Mr. Tuukka Castrén, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tuukka.castren@formin.fi