26 February 2013: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) convened a round table event on expanding the use of mobile technologies to promote inclusive, sustainable human development. The event included a panel discussion on information and communication technologies (ICT) in addressing development challenges, and the launch of a public-private partnership between UNDP and Motorola Solutions.

ICTs play an increasing role in sustainable human development and delivery of basic services, including education and health services, according to UNDP. The partnership with Motorola aims to stimulate large-scale diffusion of mobile initiatives for sustainable development, and to contribute to consultations on the post-2015 development agenda, given the role of improved connectivity in achieving development goals.

This round table is the first in a planned series as part of the new partnership. In May 2013, UNDP and Motorola will hold a knowledge sharing workshop in Kenya to identify and support initiatives and innovations in mobile technology.

The round table took place during the First World Summit for the Information Society (WSIS)+10 review meeting, held from 25-27 February 2013, at UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France. The First WSIS+10 review meeting is a multi-stakeholder event, focused on “Towards Knowledge Societies for Peace and Sustainable Development.” The outcomes of the meeting and those of a high-level review event in 2014 will inform the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) reviews of the WSIS and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. [UNDP Press Release] [WSIS+10 Website] [Roundtable Overview] [UNCTAD WSIS Overview] [IISD RS Sources]