Committed to connecting the world 

ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

‐‐‐ E‐Government Global/Regional Trends and Emerging Issues     ‐‐‐

Innovation and E‐Governance for Sustainable Development

1) ITU Overview and Activities

2) e‐Government Trend and Emerging Issues

3) Framework for ICT for Development in the Asia‐Pacific Region (ICTD‐ASP)

Agenda

1)   ITU Overview & Activities

Specialized Agencies of the United Nations

United Nations

WHO ILO UPU ICAO IAEAUNESCO

UNIDO WIPOFAOUNWTOWB

IMO

IFAD WFP IMF

WMO

A specialized agency of the UN  with focus on Telecommunication / ICTs

Founded in 1865

ITU‐D: ITU’s Development Sector fosters international cooperation andsolidarity in the delivery of technical assistance and in the creation,development and improvement of telecommunication/ICT equipmentand networks in developing countries.

ITU: A brief overview

193 Member States

567 Sector Members

159 Associates

60 Academia

ITU‐R: ITU’s Radio‐communication Sector globally managesradio‐frequency spectrum and satellite orbits that ensuresafety of life on land, at sea and in the skies.

ITU‐T: ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Sectorenables global communications by ensuring thatcountries’ ICT networks and devices are speaking thesame language.

Headquartered in Geneva, 4 Regional Offices 7 Area Offices.

ITU: Reaching out to the World

Americas 

Regional OfficeBrasilia, Brazil

Area Offices Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 

Santiago, Chile.Bridgetown, Barbados Africa 

Regional OfficeAddis Ababa, Ethiopia

Area Offices Yaoundé, Cameroon Harare, Zimbabwe Dakar, Senegal 

CIS Area Office Moscow, Russia

Arab

Regional OfficeCairo, Egypt

ITU Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland

Europe Regional OfficeGeneva, Switzerland

Asia‐Pacific

Regional OfficeBangkok, Thailand

Acting Regional Director Mr. Sameer Sharma

Area OfficeJakarta, Indonesia

Head:  Ms. Aurora Rubio

ITU: Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

7

AfghanistanBangladeshBhutanCambodiaLao, PDRNepalMyanmarTimor Leste

KiribatiSolomon Is.TuvaluVanuatu

FijiMaldivesMarshall IslandsMicronesiaNauru Tonga

Least Developed Countries (12)

PNGSamoa

D.P.R. KoreaIndiaIndonesiaMongoliaPakistanPhilippinesSri LankaVietnam 

Low‐Income States (10)

Small Islands Developing States (12)Small Islands Developing States (12)

AustraliaBrunei China/Hong KongIranJapanMalaysiaNew ZealandR.O. KoreaSingaporeThailand

The Rest (10)

38 Member States  134 Sector Members, 

Associates17 Academia

Land Locked Developing Countries (5)

8

Broadband

Cybersecurity

Emergency Telecommunications

Climate Change

Digital Broadcasting

C&I

e‐health

e‐agriculture

Smart Sustainable Cities

e‐government

Spectrum management

C&I

Digital Inclusion

e‐education

INFRASTRUCTURE..APPLICATIONS..

HUMAN CAPACITYBUILDING..POLICY&REGULATION..

[DRAFT]ITUStrategicPlan[2016‐2019]GlobalICTTargets

1.GROWTH:EnableandfosteraccesstoandincreaseduseofICTs‐ Target 1.1: Worldwide, 60% of households should have access to the Internet by 2020‐ Target 1.2: Worldwide, 60% of individuals should be using the Internet by 2020‐ Target 1.3: Worldwide, ICT should be 40%more affordable by 2020

2.INCLUSIVENESS:Bridgethedigitaldivideandprovidebroadbandforall‐ Target 2.1: In the developing world, 50% of households should have Internet access by 2020‐ Target 2.2: In the developing world, Internet user penetration should reach 50% by 2020‐ Target 2.3.A: The affordability gap should be reduced by 40% by 2020‐ Target 2.3.B: Broadband services should cost no more than 5% of income in developingcountries by 2020

‐ Target 2.4 A: Gender equality online should be achieved by 2020‐ Target 2.4 B: Accessibility in ICT for persons with disabilities should be improved by 50% by2020

3.SUSTANABILITY:ManagechallengesresultingfromthedevelopmentofICTs‐ Target 3.1: Cybersecurity readiness should be improved by 40% by 2020‐ Target 3.2: Volume of redundant e‐waste to be reduced by 50% by 2020‐ Target 3.3: Green House Gas generated by the ICT sector to be decreased by 30% by 2020

4.INNOVATION:ShapeandadapttothechangingICTenvironment‐ Target 4: Effective ICT ecosystem fitting the changing ICT environment

The objective of WTDC‐14 was to establish work programmes and guidelines fordefining telecommunication development questions and priorities and to providedirection and guidance for the work programme of the TelecommunicationDevelopment Sector (ITU‐D) over the next four‐year period, i.e. 2015‐2018.

ITU's sixth World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) tookplace at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30March to 10 April 2014 at the kind invitation of the United Arab Emirates

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU‐D/Conferences/WTDC/WTDC14/Pages/default.aspx

11

Foster an enabling environment conducive to ICT development and foster thedeployment of telecommunication/ICT networks as well asrelevant applications and services, including bridging the standardization gap

Enhance confidence and security in the use of telecommunications/ICTs, and roll‐out of relevant applications and services

Build human and institutional capacity, provide data and statistics, promote digital inclusion and provide concentrated assistance to countries in special need

Enhance environmental protection, climate‐change adaptation and mitigation,and disaster‐management efforts through telecommunications/ICTs

Foster international cooperation on telecommunication/ICTdevelopment issuesObjective #1

Objective #2

Objective #3

Objective #4

Objective #5

ITU‐D: Global Development Objectives (2015‐2018)

Emergency Telecommunications

Harnessing The Benefits of New Technologies 

Development Of Broadband Access And Adoption Of Broadband

Policy And Regulation

Special Consideration For LDCs*, SIDSs**, Including Pacific Island Countries, And Landlocked Developing Countries

*   LDC: Least Developed Countries** SIDS: Small Island Developing States

Initiative #1

Initiative #2

Initiative #3

Initiative #4

Initiative #5

ITU: Asia‐Pacific Regional Initiatives (2015‐2018)

Question 17‐3/2: Progress on e‐government activities and identification of areas of application of e‐government for the benefit of developing countries

COM3/AA: Creating the smart society: Social and economic development through ICT applications14‐3/2: Information and telecommunications/ICTs for e‐health 22‐1/1: Securing information and communication networks: Best practices for developing a culture of cybersecurity COM3/BB: Assistance to developing countries for implementing conformance and interoperability programmes 

COM3/DD: Policy, regulatory and technical aspects of the migration from existing networks to broadband  networks in developing countries, including next‐generation networks, m‐services, OTT services and the implementation of IPv625/2: Broadband access technologies, including IMT, for developing countriesCOM3/CC: Access to cloud computing: challenges and opportunities for developing countries12‐3/1: Economic policies and methods of determining the costs of services related to national  telecommunication/ICT networks, including next‐generation networks10‐3/2: Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas18‐2/1: Consumer information, protection and rights: Laws, regulation, economic bases, consumer networks20‐1/1: Access to telecommunication/ICT services by persons with disabilities and with specific needs

Study Group 1Enabling environment for the development of telecommunications/ICTs 

Study Group 2ICT applications, cybersecurity, emergency telecommunications and 

climate‐change adaptation 

ITU‐D Study Group Questions

ITU: Elected Officials

Dr. Hamadoun TouréITU Secretary‐General

Mr. Houlin ZhaoITU Deputy Secretary‐General

Mr. Malcolm JohnsonDirector,

Telecom Standardization Bureau (ITU‐T)

Mr. Francois RancyDirector, 

Radiocommunications Bureau (ITU‐R)

Mr. Brahima SanouDirector, 

Telecommunications Development Bureau (ITU‐D)

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 201420 October – 7 November 2014Busan, Republic of Korea

No Event Dates Venues

1ITU‐ASEAN Forum on National Policy and Practices in Social Media Utilization in Governments

tbcKuala Lumpur, 

Malaysia

2 4th ITU Asia‐Pacific Regulators’ Roundtable and International Training Programme 21‐25 Jul Sydney, Australia

3 ITU/IDA Executive Training Program on ICT Policy and Regulation 25‐29 Aug Singapore

4Regional Economic and Financial Forum for Asia and Pacific Region and meeting of the Study Group 3 AO Group

September Myanmar

5 4th ITU Green Standards Week 22‐26 September China

6 Regional Child Online Protection (COP) Workshop for the Pacific Islands,  22‐26 September Port Vila, Vanuatu

7ITU/COAI Regional Workshop on “Towards Smartly Digital Asia‐Pacific 2020: Harnessing Broadband Opportunities for Sustainable Development”

[Sep] New Delhi, India

8 Training on satellite communication tbcUlaanbaatar, Mongolia

9 Capacity building of CERTS in Asia‐Pacific tbc Vientiane, Lao PDR

10 Enabling Efficiency in Energy Management through ICTs tbc Islamabad, Pakistan

11 Workshop on ICT Statistics Indicators for ASEAN Countries tbc Bangkok, Thailand

12 Regional Training on Smart Sustainable Cities 29 Sep – 2 Oct  Bangkok, Thailand

13 ITU‐ABU Women with the Wave Series tbc tbc

14 ITU‐ABU Pacific Broadcasting and Media Partnership Summit Conference 17‐19 Nov Suva, Fiji

ITU Asia‐Pacific Key Events 2014

ITU Asia‐Pacific activities 2014 (1)

No Action Titles Country(ies)

1 Type approval procedure for Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Sri Lanka

2 Spectrum Management in Vanuatu Vanuatu

3 Maintenance and development of the interactive transmission map for the Asia‐Pacific Region Asia‐Pacific

4 e‐Government Policy Bhutan

5 Upgrade of MIS of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication Cambodia

6 ICT for agriculture framework in ASP Asia‐Pacific

7 Policy assistance on catalyzing ICT applications for digital development / Digital Literacy Asia‐Pacific

8 ICTD Knowledge Network in Asia‐Pacific Region Asia‐Pacific

9 Enabling Efficiency in Energy Management through ICTs Pakistan

10Review and Amendment/Revision of the Philippine Telecommunications Law (Republic Act 7925)

Philippines

11 Structure Review and Institutional Strengthening of Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication Lao PDR

12Best practices on emergency communication, spectrum management , broadband and empowerment of women

India

13 Competition Regulation and review of USF mechanism for ICT Sector Bhutan

14 Interconnection costing study  Sri Lanka

No Action Titles Country(ies)

15 E‐Health Opportunities: Leveraging ICTs in Asia‐Pacific Bangladesh

16 Enhancing the capacity of Vietnam Public Utility Telecommunications Service Fund Viet Nam

17 ITU‐ASEAN Partnership on ICT Development * ASEAN

18Promoting Environment Awareness and Empowerment of Underserved Communities, Youth and Local Women through ICTs

Malaysia

19 ICT Accessibility for DAISY and E‐PUB and International Volunteers Asia‐Pacific

20 Capacity Building for ICT Benchmarking and Statistics for SIDS and LDCs Pacific

21 Development of training material on new technologies R.O. Korea

22 ICT‐enabled disaster and emergency management services for marginalized and vulnerable  India

23 Concentrated Assistance for Emergency CommunicationsSamoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands

24 Policy and Regulatory aspects for 4G Mobile Systems Mongolia

25 Guidelines to foster growth of telecom sector  Nepal

26Policy and Regulatory Assistance for the newly established ANC (Autoridade Nasional das Communicasoes)

Timor Leste

27 Policy and regulatory assistance to Myanmar Myanmar

28 CIRT Capacity Building  Afghanistan

29 National Broadband Policy  Philippines 

ITU Asia‐Pacific activities 2014 (2)

Multi‐stakeholder & Smart Partnerships !

ITU Asia‐Pacific Centres of Excellence

Spectrum Management(Ministry of ICT, Iran)

Technology AwarenessPusan National University

Rep. of Korea

BroadcastingAsia Pacific Institute

for Broadcasting Development

Rural ICT Development Universiti Utara Malaysia

Business ManagementMinistry of ICT, Thailand

Policy & RegulationPakistan Telecommunication

Authority

CYBERSECURITYIMPACT

ICT APPLICATIONSVietnam

highly specialized training opportunities at low or no fees……..

New CoE Strategy from 2015 

Visit http://academy.itu.int 

ITU‐Asia Pacific CoE 2014: Face to Face Training ProgrammeNo. Title Dates Venues1 Social ICT Applications: Opportunities, Challenges and Options [May‐June] Malaysia

2 IPv6 Infrastructure Security 30 Jun – 4 Jul Thailand

3 ICT trends in providing interactive and pay television services 9‐10 July Viet Nam

4 USO and UAB Funding tbc Malaysia

5 Cloud Forensics Jun Malaysia

6 Strategic Costing and Quad Play Planning 13‐22 Aug Thailand

7 Mobile cloud computing applications on developing value added services 25‐26 Sep Viet Nam

8 Addressing convergence challenges in the Pacific 6‐10 Oct (tbc) [tbc]

9 ICT for entrepreneurship 10‐12 Nov Indonesia

10 Digital Dividend and Mobile Broadcasting 17‐20 Nov Iran

11 Spectrum Allocation and Management Nov Thailand

12 Service Oriented Security (Data Center and Wireless Security) Nov Malaysia

ITU‐ASP‐CoE 2014: Online Training ProgrammeNo. Title Dates1 SatelliteLaunchCoordinationProceduresandInternationalRegulations tbc

2 EconomicAspectsofSpectrumManagement Jul/Aug

3 InnovativeApplicationsforRuralBroadbandCommunity 1‐30Sep

4 QualityofServiceofTelecomServicesfromaregulatorsperspective tbc

5 CVASLicensingRegime Tbc

20

ITU: Partnering in Asia‐Pacific

Governments

Regulatory Authorities

UN & Development Agencies

Regional Organizations

Industry

APPLICATIONS..

HUMAN CAPACITYBUILDING..

POLICY&REGULATION..

PROJECTS..

INFRASTRUCTURE..

Academia

21

ITU: Projects in Asia‐Pacific

Spectrum, Satellite 

Digital Broadcasting

Policy & Regulation

Human

 Capacity

 Building

ICT Applications

Other activities

2)   e‐Government Trend & Emerging Issues

ITU Measuring the Information Society 2013

Mobile broadband growth continue……

Steep growth in mobile broadband……

50 per cent of the world’s population was covered by a 3G network in 2013. The migration to Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) technology seems to be happening 

much faster than did the earlier migration from 2G to 3G networks. According to the GSM Association (GSMA), commercial LTE networks were 

operating in 88 countries in 2013, up from 14 in just three years. Another organization, the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), puts that number at 101 countries.

Source: Report ITU‐R M.2243 (00/2011)

Options to manage mobile demand

Key issues in the formulation of a wireless broadband masterplan

Source: http://www.itu.int/ITU‐D/tech/broadband_networks/WirelessBDMasterPlans_ASP/Masterplan%20guidelines%20EV%20BAT1.pdf

Action Line C7. ICT applications 1) The biggest challenges in providing all these supportive activities are: 

moving and innovating with time. The socio‐economic and especially technical conditions affecting innovation change over time. We need to further disseminate new, effective practices and tools and provide support to build intrinsic government, government and public administration capacities. 

2)  Effective advisory missions lead to a couple of countries’ embrace of open data approach and government officials’ participation in related events are success. But while celebrating success in all of these projects and programmes, there are challenges such as imbalance among participating countries in competing events and projects. 

Challenges

M‐GovernanceProvide Government’s information and services to public employees, citizens, businesses, and nonprofit organizations through wireless communication networks and mobile devices.” 

Reduction of service processing time.  Reduction of operating costs and less 

paper work.  Early detection of problems and crisis.  Enlarged accessibility (fast and easy 

access)  Transparency :Citizen become more loyal 

to the government.  Increased participation of citizen .  Satisfaction of citizen and private users : 

reduction of human error due to the automated process, elimination of queues ..) 

M‐Governance Value Chain

M‐Governance Business Model

Key Considerations M‐government services should be viewed as a strategic project and planned 

carefully to reduce the chances of emergence of the islands of information systems dilemma. Funding plays a key role to the success of this service. 

Introducing Mobile government technology means that the work conditions are changed and the environment is modified, therefore existing policies, practices, and regulations may need to be updated or even created : Revisiting current policies to make certain that they are still valid and appropriate for the new environment and ensuring privacy and security of government data. 

Establishing technical infrastructure must be reviewed to identify if and how it can support a more mobile workforce. Maintaining devices and infrastructure that remains on site is different from maintaining ones that are in constant movement. 

Governments must make a data base about their staff work and citizen's needs and types of devices could be used to help them do their jobs better or make their lives easier: Developing apps for multiple platforms is more expensive, but can allow people to use Gov apps with their existing mobile devices. 

Mobile government implementation pass through 3 steps : mobile access , mobile content , mobile services and applications : establish with partners in each of those steps is necessary, the private sector and organizations can play a crucial role

Key Recommendations on e‐Government (WSIS+10)1)  At the most fundament level and ultimately, improving e‐government endeavours

should build on broad e‐governance efforts; well beyond use of e‐government tools. 2)  Financing of e‐government projects needs to be addressed based on creative exploring 

e‐government financial resources, particularly for many developing countries. 3)  Encourage integrated e‐government services through whole‐of‐government approach 

to support the three pillars of sustainable development 4)  Promote inclusive e‐government through e‐participation and increase availability of 

government data for reuse in order to promote participation in public policy‐decision‐making, responsiveness, transparency and accountability 

5)  Promote people‐centred delivery of e‐services and bridge the digital divide 6)  Address privacy and security issues through concerted efforts 7)  Promote capacity building and knowledge sharing for effective utilization of resources 8)  Utilize existing infrastructure (e.g. community access points including kiosks, 

community centers, libraries, and post offices) and use of intermediaries to ensure that e‐government services reach all end users. 

9)  Improve government service through introducing open, transformational government providing multi‐channel service delivery, particularly through mobile devices 

10) Enhancement of essential government services electronically to citizens through inclusive means; each government will choose an appropriate scope of the essential services through national and sub‐national planning processes 

WSIS+10 Vision for WSIS Beyond 2015E‐government can support sustainable development by promoting effective and efficient public service delivery to all people ensuring transparency, participation, collaboration:a.  Continue to implement e‐government strategies focusing on applications aimed 

at innovating and enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency, as appropriate.

b.  Continue to support international cooperation initiatives in the field of e‐government.

c.  Encourage e‐government initiatives and services at all levels, adapted to the needs of people and business with a view to supporting sustainable development.

d.  Promote further development of e‐government by engaging all people for improved communications and consultations between government and end users.

e.  Foster e‐government services while addressing the challenges of privacy and security.

f.  Promote capacity building and knowledge sharing for effective utilization of ICT in government, delivery of e‐ services and ICT‐based policy support for development outcomes.

g.  Facilitate the access of e government services to all people including the disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

35

Universal Broadband

Infrastructure Security

Emergency

Sensor Networks

C&I

Health

Agriculture

Governance

Spectrum  Management

Standards, Conformity & Interoperability

Digital InclusionSMARTSUSTAINABLECITIES

Green ICT & E‐Waste

Education

TransportCapacity Building

Electricity

Water 

Teleworking 

Measurements

Privacy & Security

Policy & Regulation

ApplicationsInvestment

IMPROVINGQUALITYOFLIFE..

36

Universal Broadband

Infrastructure Security

Sensor Networks

C&I

Spectrum  Management

Standards, Conformity & Interoperability

Green ICT & E‐Waste

Policy&Regulation

Needforcross‐sectorcollaboration

ICTSECTORREGULATORYRESPONSIBILITY‐

Whoregulateswhat?

Num

ber  of cou

ntrie

s

37

Universal Broadband

Infrastructure Security

Emergency

Sensor Networks

C&I

Health

Electricity

Governance

Spectrum  Management

Standards, Conformity & Interoperability

SMARTSUSTAINABLECITIES

Green ICT & E‐Waste

Education

Transport

Water 

Teleworking 

NATIONAL REGULATORYENTITY(LeadAgenciesExamples)..

National Disaster Management Authority, Military, Internal Affairs

Ministry of Education, Education Boards,  Local Government 

Ministry of Health, Local Government

Ministry of Power, RegulatorLocal Government

City, Municipal , provincial , Central Government Agencies

Local Government, Department of Transport

Competition Authority

Security Agencies

Ministry of ICT

Sector Regulators

Standardization Bodies

Ministry of Finance, Banking Regulator

Finance & Payment  

3) Framework for ICT for Development in the Asia‐Pacific Region (ICTD‐ASP)

39

e‐Environment e‐Health e‐Education e‐Agriculture

e‐GovernmentCybersecurity Smart Sustainable City Digital Inclusion

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an enabler and key for cross‐sector development

The world has become more connected, networked, and interdependent primarilydue to the development and diffusion of ICTs. With the rapid diffusion of online andmobile connectivity, developing economies are better positioned to bridge the digitaldivide and to promote economic growth and welfare than ever.

The contribution of ICT as a ‘growth catalyst’ has been empirically proven by a series ofstudies and ICT is also a potential enabler to transform the government sector byimproving the quality of government and empowering citizen.

However, critical challenges are ahead of us to reap the potential fruits from thegrowth of ICT in developing world. Of great challenges are major shortfalls inbroadband ICT infrastructure in coverage, and lack of impact ICT services andapplications.

TheICTD‐ASPisaplatformformulti‐stakeholderpartnerships forprojectinformationandknowledgesharingandforcross‐sectordevelopment intheAsia‐

Pacificregion.

Objective 1 To provide assistance to developing countries in Asia and the Pacific for bridging the gap between their development plans and the implementation of their ICTD investments.

Objective 2To share information about projects/initiatives being implemented and to mobilize resources and facilitate ICTD investment financing through coordinated partnerships among stakeholders in the Asia and the Pacific region.

Objective 3To strengthen and enhance institutional ICT capacity through sharing experiences and knowledge on ICTD in Asia and the Pacific region.

InternationalTelecommunicationUnion

ICTD-ASP initiative

Programme

Project

Project

Project

Project

Project

Programme

Project

Project

Project

Project

Project

STRUCTUREThe ICTD-ASP initiative is a platform for coordinating and collaborating efforts amongmultiple stakeholders and partners. Currently, the initiative identifies two key subjectareas or programmes i.e. “Universal broadband connectivity and ruraldevelopment” and “e-Government and ICT applications forsustainable development”.

A number of projects are expected to be initiated and brought together under eachprogramme; no matter who owns and implements the projects and through bi-lateral ormulti-lateral agreements. Hence, the initiative aims at avoiding duplicated efforts bysharing project information with the initiative.

In developing Asian economies, ICT penetration has been driven by mobile phones over the last decade.However, penetration rates for broadband, internet, and computers remain quite low in the region, despiterapid growth in internet use in recent years. Without ICT infrastructure, which determines the speed andmagnitude of ICT diffusion, the impact of ICTs on the economy and society will be very limited.

The promotion of universal access and service (UAS) is important in accelerating the development not only ofthe telecommunication and ICT sector, but also socio-economic development especially in the rural areas. Theprinciple of UAS has evolved over time—from its first definition based on proximity to a telephone to its currentfocus on access to broadband services. In the Asia-Pacific region, while many countries have alreadyestablished a UAS fund, some are still struggling to set up their own UAS framework and an appropriate fundingmechanism. Delayed disbursement and ineffective management of funds have often been observed and arecommon issues that need to be addressed for a viable UAS program. The number and variety of UAS programsthat have been or are being implemented in many countries provide a rich source of valuable knowledge andlessons. However, the Asia-Pacific region has yet to develop an effective knowledge platform for sharing andexchanging knowledge and experiences on UAS policies and programs.

The programme focuses on policies, regulations, and programs that promote and accelerate broadbanddeployment nation wide and especially in rural areas taking into account universal access/service fund whenapplicable.

Universal Broadband Connectivity and Rural Development Programme

ICT has had an enormous impact on the way governments carry out their functions. The use of appropriate ICTtools and applications has enabled governments to provide more efficient services to improve theircommunication and transform their relationship with citizens, businesses, and other public sector institutions. ICThas also been increasingly used as a tool to reduce corruption.

While governments have achieved notable successes in a number of e-Government initiatives, they continue toencounter difficulties and a variety of challenges in implementing such projects. This is primarily due to thecomplex nature of e-Government, including its linkage to broader public sector reform, fast-paceddevelopment of technologies, the need for a certain level of ICT capacity, and required coordination amongstakeholders who oftentimes have conflicting interests. In particular, the weak organizational capacity ofgovernment agencies in DMCs, in general, has been identified as a major reason for the failure to reap thepotential benefits of e-Government projects.

Many governments have issued national broadband policies and plans with focus on building nationwidebroadband infrastructure, aimed at stimulating demand through the adoption of online services andapplications in key sectors, such as agriculture, education, health, and business, among others. However, thepolicy and regulatory measures governing ICT and broadband deployment have implications for other sectorsof the economy, and society as a whole. An important emerging model is one that promotes the involvementof multiple stakeholders in implementing these policy and regulatory measures. Therefore, a key principle inimproving e-strategies and ICT policies is to effectively integrate ICT into different sectors.

e-Government and ICT Applications for Sustainable Development Programme

Project Development & Implementation

Advisory supports for ICTDinvestment and prioritization,and Pre-Feasibility Studies onhigh priority ICTD investmentprojects: Proposals will bereviewed andrecommendations for fundingwill be made on the basis ofselection criteria. Selectedprojects will be funded andexecuted in collaboration withmulti-stakeholders.

Partnership & Resource Mobilisation

Framework development forcoordination and cooperationwith partners and stakeholders:the framework features a set ofguidelines and toolkits formobilizing resources andcreating partnerships amongvarious stakeholders andpartners promoting ICTD in theAsia-Pacific region.

Information & Knowledge Sharing Network

This component will identify,compile, and disseminate goodpractices and lessons learned foraddressing development issueson ICTD. The component willinclude awareness campaigns,capacity-building activities,conferences and workshops,publication of lessons learned,and integration of theknowledge gained

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE INITIATIVE

Project Development & Implementation

In order for financing agencies to commit funds under potential ICTD investmentagreements, they require governments to submit well-formulated investment projectsas well as to demonstrate managerial and technical capacity to ensure projectviability. The gap between ICTD master plans and downstream ICTD projectimplementation often hamper developing countries to access ICTD investmentfinancing. Therefore, the ICTD-ASP initiative will support developing countries in Asiaand the Pacific to structure and validate their ICTD investment needs and contributesto the development of capacities for improved project development and financialstructuring focusing on Pre-Project Preparatory Technical Assistance support.

Hence, new projects are expected to be developed and implemented by anypartners and in any countries.

Partnership & Resource Mobilisation

ICTD-ASP will develop mechanisms and toolkits to enhance project formulation whiledemonstrating overall viability. This allows both the governments and potentialfinanciers a higher level of confidence to decide on key ICTD investments. Thesemechanisms and toolkits will also be provided through country specific capacitydevelopment programs and be shared through an online knowledge portal andoffline regional knowledge forums.

The Initiative will help mobilise resources including funding for implementing projects.In this regard, countries’ proposals are collected and assessed in that feasibilitystudies may be conducted, and then proposed to potential donors/partners.

ICTD-ASP promotes smart partnerships whereby partners and beneficiaries areexpected to contributed to the projects possibly with matching funds.

Information and Knowledge Sharing Network

The ICTD-ASP will provide web portals for sharing information (including informationabout projects and initiatives implemented by various partners) and knowledge(including training materials, publications, and knowledge-based online resources).The web portals also aim at monitoring and evaluating progress of ICT developmentin the region as well as status of ICT development in individual countries.

Hence, the web portals are repositories of all kinds of resources which are useful forpolicy makers, regulators, project implementers, NGOs, and all stakeholders in ICTdevelopment.

It is important that the ICTD-ASP does not intend to duplicate existing websites or anyavailable resources developed by partners; but rather supplement and promotethose resources through the initiative.

InternationalTelecommunicationUnion

Expected Outputs

Web portals for information and knowledge sharing

Toolkits, publications, case studies, statistics, etc.

Annual regional meetings, providing: Human capacity development Partners’ dialogues and collaborative planning

Project development and implementation

Multi-stakeholder smart partnerships

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ITU : http://www.itu.intITU Asia Pacific : http://www.itu.int/ITU‐D/asp/CMS/index.asp