There are Sustainable Development Networking Programmes [SDNPs] in 40 developing countries now, up from the initial 12 country pilot projects in 1993. Each one encompasses making Information Technology [IT] more accessible, more usable and more understandable to civil society. Yet each countries' SDNP is unique to the situation and client needs.

Here are stories from ten SDNPs around the world. They constitute a wide range of successes. Successes in terms of meeting real needs, providing useful services, achieving goals as lofty as helping to move an entire nation into the IT world and as mundane as increasing the number of computer literate individuals one person at a time.

Well-known journalist Kristin Helmore looked at various SDNPs, interviewed their staff, partners and end users to gauge the significance, the impact and the contribution that SDNP may have made. And she discovered that SDNPs have not only contributed to the development of information technologies in those countries but more importantly to the connecting and strengthening of development communities therein.

Read on and see how:

• Access of IT to civil society has been enhanced dramatically in Jamaica, Mozambique and Honduras
• Connectivity and Networking has transformed the IT world in Pakistan, Angola and Cameroon
• Support in emergency situations has saved lives in Honduras and Pakistan
• Lebanon and the Philippines have seen an improvement in governance and transparency as a direct result
• Agenda 21's implementation takes a giant leap forward in China with SDNP's assistance
• Telecentres [public access centres] build capacity among residents of Jamaica and Mozambique
• Bulgaria and Angola see how creating and strengthening partnerships with NGOs and the private sector is a win for everyone

As UNDP's 1999 Human evelopment Report (Chapter 2, p. 63) points out "The past decade has proven the tremendous potential of global communications to provide information, enable empowerment and raise productivity. But it has also exposed the risks of dividing and polarizing societies, threatening greater marginalization of those left out and left behind...the market alone will make global citizens only of those who can afford it. Fulfilling the potential of global communications for development demands relentless effort in reaching out to extend and enhance the loop" . SDNP is part of filling that relentless effort.

Let us know what you think of  SDNP's successes and also if you would like to be a partner or support any of its initiatives: info@sdnp.undp.org

Other Resources:

- SDNP Tour - SDNP Highlights - UNDP's Human Development Report 1999

| Stories | Presentation | Angola | Bulgaria | Cameroon | China | Honduras | Jamaica | Lebanon | Mozambique | Pakistan | Philippines | Glossary |