Background

Advancement in information and communication technologies (ICT) has dramatically transformed people's lives in the last few decades, bringing new opportunities in education, employment and socio-economic development. At the same time, however, the gap between those who have access to ICT and those who have not is believed to be widening rapidly. This digital divide constitutes a major problem to modern society especially in the area of social development and poverty alleviation. To prevent disadvantaged groups from being further marginalized in information society, special attention is required at both the policy and program level to promote universal and affordable ICT access.

In response to this, the World Summit of Information Society held in Geneva by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in December 2003 had finally adopted a declaration of principles and action plan which reinstated that building a people-centred Information Society is a joint effort which requires cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders. Government should cooperate with the commercial sector and non-governmental organizations in helping the disadvantaged groups to catch up with the information society development. This multi-stakeholders approach seems to be a consensus adopted in a number of countries. State members of ITU, including China, are going to give progress reports on digital divide at the second phase of the WSIS to be held in 2005.

Integration of disadvantaged groups into information society falls well within the business objective of HKCSS in promoting social cohesion. To bridge the digital divide is also believed to be an important means to poverty alleviation.

NGOs of Hong Kong have been conducting a range of “digital inclusion” programs for disadvantaged groups in the last few years. Programs such as computer recycling, free computer training or awareness raising projects are usually successful and yet difficult to seek funding support.

On Nov 10 2003, at a Legislative Council Information Technology and Broadcasting Panel Meeting, HKCSS suggested that a Digital Solidarity Fund composing of contribution from Government and Private Sector should be set up to support those NGOs initiatives. The suggestion was welcomed and supported by the Government at the meeting.

Considering the various circumstances in Hong Kong, the Council proposes the establishment of a Digital Solidarity Fund to support digital inclusion programs in Hong Kong.