B. Background 5. Many opportunities exist for the wider availability and use of ICT to contribute to Solomon Islands’ further development and the improvement of its people’s welfare. A variety of challenges must be overcome, however, in order for ICT to become widely available and used. The challenges to expanding the use of ICT often are mutually reinforcing. The Importance of ICT 6. The power of information and communications technologies (“ ICT ”) 3 to promote freedom of expression, economic growth and development, social interaction, cultural development and good governance is now recognized globally. The crucial importance of ICT for Pacific islands countries was summed up in the 2010 Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific:4 Information underpins empowerment. Empowerment underpins people-centered sustainable development. ICT provides a platform to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through the implementation of locally appropriate national development strategies. It is essential that the full potential of ICT is harnessed for the benefit of all Pacific people, and in particular the marginalised or disadvantaged groups. 7. Solomon Islands faces and is working to overcome a variety of challenges in order to achieve the national vision of a “Peaceful, United and Progressive Country of Solomon Islands.”5 This National ICT Policy is premised on the conviction that the increased availability, accessibility and affordability of ICT, and increased use of ICT in virtually all spheres of life, will contribute positively toward achieving the national vision. The National ICT Policy is intended by Government to plot its future course of action in relation to ICT and will contribute to the context for future decision making6 in relation to ICT issues. 3 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Consists of the hardware, software, networks, and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information (voice, data, text, images), as well as related services.” – World Bank ICT Glossary Guide (web.worldbank.org). 4 Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific (2010) p 6. 5 Democratic Coalition for Change Government Policy Statement (Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, January 2015) para 5.0. 6 “[P]olicy is essentially a stance which, once articulated, contributes to the context within which a succession of future decisions will be made.” Friend JK, Power JM and Yewlett CJL Public Planning: The InterCorporate Dimension (London: Tavistock, 1974) p 40. Page | 8 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy