As is the case in the developed world, communications and the provision of adequate technology is key to the success of the developing world - if anything assuming an even greater significance.

One of the key objectives with regard to global communications is enabling all countries within developed and underprovided areas to communicate with all regions of the world, providing them with access to infrastructure and information and communication services.

Among the objectives for developing information and communications technologies throughout the developing world are the promotion of benefits of these technologies, not only to those countries concerned but also those in the developed world who stand to gain from improved levels.

The narrowing of the digital divide has been identified as a key priority in improving existence levels throughout the world, with promotion of participation from the industry's leading players deemed imperative. Therefore, programmes such as those engineered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that facilitate the flow of information geared to the needs of developing countries - with a focus on the disabled and disadvantaged - have a particular significance, with influence to complement other organisations and entities seeking to improve access to communication technologies and services in the developing world.

Disaster response

One of the key ares of the ITU is its development arm, which considers disasters to be an integral part of its mandate. When disasters happen they leave a legacy of lost and broken lives and economic damage, with the impact even worse for those poverty stricken and without access to basic information and communication facilities to provide them with advance warning.

Coping with disasters becomes even more difficult when living in the developing or indeed the least-developed countries that already find themselves subjected to weakended economies, institutions and a lack of human resources capacity.