Innovative information and communication technologies continue to play a crucial role in sustainable development across the world. They have already made a noticeable difference with numerous European companies enabling a multitude of communications services in developing countries in all continents.

From micro-finance in rural areas to civic engagement and supporting democratic elections; from promoting education to social inclusion for marginalised and remote communities; from telemedicine all the way to supporting the emergence of small businesses, ICT solutions from satellites to mobile phones, have proved themselves to be true enablers of sustainable development. 

By providing services that enable developing nations to have immediate access to the world’s most advanced technologies – such as broadband connectivity and mobile communications, sometimes 4G – these technologies stimulate vital socio-economic progress in developing countries. 

This EIF breakfast will bring together institutional, civil society, and industrial players actors that will discuss the role of ICT solutions in closing the digital divide in the developing regions across the world and how the European Union can enhance Europe’s contribution to sustainable development globally.

• Programme - 24th June 2015

  Welcome and introduction:

  Julie Ward, MEP and EIF Steering Committee Member

  Speakers:

  Catherine Flouvat, Head of CSR, Africa & Middle East, Orange

  Steven Ramage, Director of Strategy, what3words

  Kumar Singarajah, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Business Development, Avanti

  Roberto Ridolfi, Director, Sustainable Growth and Development, DG DEVCO, European Commission

  Exchange of views with participants