GAID was launched by the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 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 .

Craig Barrett, the President and CEO of Intel Corp. became the Chairman of the Global Alliance of ICT and Development