UNCTAD, CTO form strategic partnership to boost ICT

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development on November 29, 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the development effects of information and communication technology (ICT).

Officials say the signing of the MoU ushers in a “new era of cooperation” between the two bodies which will see ICTs being leveraged effectively for commerce and industry.

“The Memorandum of Understanding aims to facilitate collaboration between the CTO and UNCTAD in building knowledge via research, and in building capacity via training and conferences,” the UN trade arm said in a statement.

It adds, “This strategic partnership opens up new avenues for the global ICT community, and particularly the developing countries of the Commonwealth, to identify innovative ways in which technology can promote trade and commerce.”

Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the CTO believes that the MoU will help the organization to work closely with UNCTAD to bring “practical benefits to our members”.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi remarked that “Close collaboration with the CTO will facilitate greater outreach and effectiveness in the UNCTAD research and technical assistance that is aimed at helping developing countries benefit more from new technologies.”

By Ekow Quandzie