 Technology neutrality, Technology aptness  Evaluation to drive improvement Development orientation 50. As Solomon Islands is a developing country, its people, businesses and Government face many challenges. It is considered that greater availability and use of ICT must play a central role in overcoming challenges and achieving development. The importance of ICT in development is recognized in the Millenium Development Goals, which include: 23 23 “In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications.” 51. In respect of development, this National ICT Policy takes as a starting-point the objectives determined by the Government pursuant to the 2015 Policy Strategy and Translation. Regard is also had to the National Development Strategy 2011 to 2020 and the 2013 National Infrastructure Investment Plan. It is intended that the National ICT Policy and related plans and programmes for ICT should align with the National Development Strategy and National Infrastructure Investment Plan. 52. The extensive consultation process that informed development of the National Development Strategy included every Province, as well as Honiara city, resulting in national objectives reflecting the People’s priorities.24 Because the National Development Strategy represents a comprehensive approach to the needs of Solomon Islanders throughout the country, it provides a useful point of departure for consideration of the issues and opportunities that arise in connection with ICT, which potentially reach into the lives and livelihoods of virtually all citizens. 53. Eight development objectives have been identified, under an overarching focus of building better lives for all Solomon Islanders: 1: Alleviate poverty and improve the lives of Solomon Islanders 2: To support the vulnerable 23 24 Millenium Development Goals, target 8.F. Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy 2011 – 2020 (2011) p 1. Page | 22 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy