In today's connected world, technology is essential for maintaining peace, a main goal of the United Nations (UN). With the right use, tech can help people from different places understand each other better, communicate easily, and bridge gaps.
One big benefit of technology is that it gives everyone a chance to access information. This means people can learn more, get involved in what is happening around them, and stand up for what they believe in. Moreover, in areas where there is conflict, tech can be a lifesaver. It helps with things like giving aid, warning people early, and rebuilding after the conflict.
But tech doesn't just help in times of trouble. It is also great for long-term peace. It supports education, health, and jobs, which are all important for lasting peace. When people have these things, it reduces problems like unfairness and feeling left out.
The UN is all about peace, safety, and making sure, everyone has a good life. So, it's really important that they use the power of tech to keep peace and prevent conflicts. This way, a peaceful world is not just something we hope for; it is something we can make happen.
2001
In 2001, the United Nations member states realized how game-changing digital technology could be for the world's progress. So, they started the UN ICT Task Force. This group's main goal was to make sure people from every country, rich or poor, could be part of the digital age and get its benefits from it.
World Summits on Information Society
These were crucial gatherings to decide how to use technology for global good.
2003
In 2003, 175 countries came together in Geneva. They discussed how tech could help meet big global targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) . The outcome was two important documents: the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the Geneva Plan of Action. Both emphasized that technology should benefit everyone.
2005
Building on the Geneva discussions, the Tunis phase took things further in 2005. Here, countries globally agreed on the Tunis Commitment and the Tunis Agenda. The focus was on improving digital skills, especially in less wealthy countries. There was also a shared belief in involving everyone in decisions about technology's future.
2006
After the groundwork laid by the UN ICT Task Force and the WSIS summits, the world was ready for a bigger platform to achieve the goals discussed in these global events.
So, in 2006, Kofi Annan, who was the UN Secretary-General at the time, started the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development, or GAID.
GAID was a fresh approach. Instead of sticking to usual methods, it involved everyone: government officials, businesses, community groups, international bodies, universities, and others.
Right from the start, GAID set up specialized groups focusing on different areas of tech development like online education, digital health, and electronic governance. These groups were essential in sharing successful strategies, making new partnerships, and starting innovative projects.
The Inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID) took place on 19-20 June in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Malaysia and organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of Malaysia.
More than 500 participants from all regions of the world, representing governments, businesses, international organizations, civil society, gender and youth groups came together to launch the new initiative of the Secretary-General, aimed at harnessing the potential of the information revolution to advance development and promote the Millennium Development Goals more in the Foundation of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development
2007
MESSAGE
by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The challenge for the Global Alliance is charting its strategic course and defining how it will carry out the important role that it has set for itself.
We must translate the vision of a truly global information society into reality.
The Alliance’s Strategy Council has identified four priority areas: health, education, poverty reduction through enterprise creation, and citizens' participation in governance.
I also commend the recognition that the special challenges facing women, youth and marginalized groups, cut across these areas, and therefore must be mainstreamed. Indigenous peoples, for example, see in these technologies a way to preserve and propagate their customs and traditions.
2010
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly backed the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID) and agreed to become its honorable president. NEW YORK February 14, 2010 together with Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID). He saw its critical role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. He emphasized making sure everyone, no matter their location or background, has access to digital technologies.
Under Ban Ki-moon's lead, GAID organized many global events, from forums to roundtables, to address major tech challenges. These events encouraged teamwork, sharing of effective methods, and making detailed plans to make digital access more widespread and boost societal progress.
2013
From February 25th to 27th, 2013, UNESCO hosted the review event Towards Knowledge Societies for Peace and Sustainable Development at its Headquarters in Paris. This meeting evaluated the advancements achieved, examined ongoing and forthcoming ICT trends, and formulated a vision for emerging information/knowledge societies within the overarching framework of the World Summit of Information Society review process.
2014
The WSIS +10 High-Level Event was held in the ITU Headquarters, Geneva from 10-13 June 2014. It was designed to review the progress made in the implementation of the WSIS outcomes under the mandates of participating agencies, and to take stock of achievements in the last 10 years based on reports submitted by countries. The event reviewed the results of Geneva and Tunis Summits on Information Society with the view of developing proposals on a new vision.
2015
On September 25, 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/70/1, titled Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda serves as a comprehensive plan of action for promoting people, planet, and prosperity. It aims to enhance universal peace within a framework of greater freedom and acknowledges the pivotal role of ICT in eliminating poverty in all its manifestations as a crucial component of sustainable development.
2016
The theme of the 2016 session was Ensuring No One is Left Behind, so that all people in all countries may benefit from sustainable development. and the full realization of human rights, without discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, language, religion, political or other opinion.
2017
The high-level political forum convened from July 10th to 19th at ECOSOC in New York, focusing on the theme of Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world. The indispensable role of ICT in this endeavor is unquestionable
2018
A record number of leaders and civil society members gathered to review progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 125 Heads and Deputy Heads of State, along with thousands of representatives, convened to assess advancements and challenges on the path towards a fairer, more peaceful, and prosperous world by 2030. The forum, themed Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies, concluded with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration
Now
The Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID) is an initiative supported by the United Nations, established to harness the unparalleled potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in catalyzing global development. Recognizing the transformative power of digital tools and resources, GAID seeks to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that societies and economies worldwide have equal access to the digital revolution, irrespective of their developmental stage.
ICT reshapes the contours of economies, politics, and societies globally; there is a pressing need for an international framework. GAID should serve this purpose, ensuring that countries navigate the digital era's challenges while maximizing its potential benefits.
GAID can establish guidelines for ICT development, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good, promoting inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
GAID can advocate for universal digital access, ensuring that the digital divide doesn't leave any nation or community behind.
The ever-evolving nature of technology means new challenges continuously arise. GAID can serve as a responsive body, addressing emergent issues in the ICT realm, from cybersecurity threats to ethical AI standards.
As technology becomes increasingly intertwined with every facet of human existence, having a dedicated global alliance ensures that its evolution aligns with humanity's broader goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development
2025
In 2025, the world anticipates a comprehensive review of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Amid the rapid evolution of digital technologies, particularly the proliferation of social media platforms and advancements in artificial intelligence, there arises a pressing need to realign the previous idea of aligning different stakeholders and provide equitable participation for governmental representatives, private sector leaders, scholars, and societal influencers.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) finds itself in a unique position, having the original mission to encompass a broader spectrum of expertise and perspectives. This imperative gains further credence from the stance of António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who not only advocates for universal digital access but also, by establishing the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation, emphasizes collaborative efforts in tackling technological issues.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, GAID stands poised to rejuvenate its mission, facilitating inclusive dialogue and catalyzing concerted action towards harnessing the transformative potential of information and communication technologies for sustainable development on a global scale.