A Statement of the Club of Rome to the World Summit on the Information Society

The reduction of the ‘digital divide’ requires appropriate technology development, and education in use of technologies, as well as effective use of technologies for education and capacity building. These technologies and programs must fit a wide range of skills, native languages, local traditions and indigenous knowledge. When they do, the transition to a networked knowledge society can be a real step towards the alleviation of poverty and therefore a substantial contribution towards a sustainable world society. The full benefit from use of ICT for development cannot be realized without addressing the need to preserve and enhance cultural diversity. The potential richness of the emerging knowledge society depends on safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage and diversity in creativity. ICT can also play a crucial role in protecting and managing our environment. It can help monitor natural resources; natural disasters; climate change, fresh water depletion, desert extension and forest depletion, and many others. A systemic approach for monitoring and early warning must be supported by the international community and urgently implemented.

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