Synopsis
The role of The Broadband Commission is to define practical ways in which countries — at all stages of development — can provide access to broadband networks for their citizens, in cooperation with the private sector. The Commission reported their findings to the UN Secretary-General in September 2010, immediately before the summit held in New York that reviewed the work on achieving the Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015. Broadband networks are an essential and uniquely powerful tool for achieving those goals and lifting people out of poverty worldwide. In 2011 the Commission set targets for 2015 and introduced its manifesto.
BuddeComm believes a trans-sector approach to infrastructure is essential and it is important to look across infrastructure projects and sectors to create synergy. This report provides an introduction to the work of The Broadband Commission and includes BuddeComm’s observations and involvement in the development of trans-sector initiatives.
The Commission has helped achieve some notable policy successes – for example, it has succeeded in boosting ICTs and broadband on the global policy agenda, as well as in the outcome of the proceedings of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Istanbul in May 2011. It has also inspired enthusiasm for greater engagement with the UN among key business figures and provided the model for the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health.
