Mr. Marc Bichler, UNCDF’s Executive Secretary, met with Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General, ITU.

The meeting focused on the status of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) connectivity in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and highlighted the need for more and better investments to bridge the digital divide. The discussion underlined the importance of ICTs as a key vector for inclusive development and growth in the context of the post-2015 development agenda.

Dr. Touré and Mr Bichler agreed on the high complementarity between ITU and UNCDF and the many opportunities for fruitful collaboration. ITU and UNCDF agreed to continue exploiting synergies to foster broadband connectivity in underserved areas as well as the use of ICTs for human and institutional capacity building.

The two organizations will hold a joint event at the margins of 2014 LDCs conference in Coutonou, Benin.

The meeting was part of broader consultations between ITU and UNCDF and was attended by Mr. Cosmas Zavazava, Chief of Department of ITU and Mr. Nicola Crosta, Head of Policy of UNCDF.