Delivered by UN-GAID Chairman Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

?Monterrey Consensus? Calls for Implementing the WSIS and MDG?s Provisions through ICT

We strongly believe it is our duty to formulate plans for the achievement of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) through the applications of ICTs for development - Abu-Ghazaleh

MONTERREY, MEXICO --- September 6, 2009 --- The annual meeting of the Strategy Council of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) concluded in Monterrey, Mexico Sept. 5 under the chairmanship of Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh.

In the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) Steering Committee, Strategy Council, which provides overall strategic guidance to GAID, and Panel of Advisors, established the ?Monterrey Consensus? which was delivered by Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh, UN-GAID chairman.

The Consensus states ?The spirit which prevailed in our multiple forums and discussions inspired us to make the commitment to build a global consensus on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

?We strongly believe it is our duty to formulate plans for the achievement of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) through the applications of ICTs for development.

?Our approach will be in a comprehensive implementation of the goals and spirit of both the WSIS and the Millennium summits.?

The annual meeting of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) was jointly organized by UNDESA-GAID and the government of Mexico bringing together ICT and the development communities under the umbrella of GAID for a focused dialogue on emerging issues and challenges in the field of ICT for development, particularly in the areas of Innovation for Education, and to foster cooperation among governments, private sector and civil societies.

The Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) is an initiative created by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2006 to contribute to transforming the spirit and vision of WSIS into action promoting the use of ICT for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

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