Accenture is a US$10 billion global management and technology consulting organization whose mission is to bring innovations to improve the way the world works and lives. Accenture's 70,000 people work in 48 countries with clients across all industries to bring far-reaching change by aligning strategy with people, processes and technology. Accenture meets a full range of client needs through a network of businesses that deliver specialized capabilities and solutions in consulting, technology, outsourcing alliances and venture capital. Globally, Accenture is involved in strategic forums and initiatives aimed at harnessing the opportunities offered by communications technologies to empower businesses, communities and governments to meet their development aspirations.

The Markle Foundation works to realize the potential of emerging communications media and information technology to improve people's lives and does so through its own programs of grants, investments, research and public education. Markle recently committed $100 million to its efforts in health care, children's learning and public policy. The Digital Opportunity Initiative is part of Markle's Global Digital Opportunity Project, which works to advance the use of ICT in development and to ensure inclusion of developing countries as the networked economy and society takes hold. For more information see www.markle.org.

UNDP, as part of the United Nations, is committed to the principle that development is inseparable from the quest for peace and human security and that the United Nations must be a strong force for development, as well as peace. With offices in 132 countries, UNDP's mission is to help countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable human development by assisting them to build their capacity to design and implement programs in poverty eradication, democratic governance, employment creation, the empowerment of women, and the protection and regeneration of the environment-giving first priority to poverty eradication. Within its areas of focus, the UNDP supports technology transfers, adaptation, and access to the most effective technology.