7. Development cluster Development considerations are cross-cutting. They affect all other clusters, ranging from telecommunication infrastructure in developing countries for Internet access, via strengthening capacity in developing countries for cybersecurity protection, to questions of multilingualism as a way to broaden use of the Internet in the developing world, to name just a few. The development aspect has been a pillar of the main policy developments in this field, including the World Summit on the Information Society (2003-2005). This cluster highlights three main development issues: access, digital divide, and capacity development. 7.1 Access Access to the Internet is the key development issue. For developing countries, access involves a wide range of technical, financial, institutional, policy, and skill issues. Improved Internet access in developing countries will reduce the digital divide. Status of governance mechanisms for access Access issues are treated in a range of international mechanisms such as WSIS outcomes, the UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development, the ITU's Telecommunication Department Sector and relevant Study Groups, and others. Access has also been the most prominent issue in IGF deliberations. It has been addressed from different angles including technical infrastructure, disabilities, and capacity development. Access is most directly related to the following Internet policy issues: telecommunication, infrastructure, technical standards, net neutrality, cybersecurity, freedom of expression, disability rights, women’s rights online, copyright, intermediaries, consumer protection, labour law, capacity development, the digital divide, education, cultural diversity, multilingualism, and global public good. Possible gaps in dealing with access The mechanisms analysed appear to indicate the existence of a implementation gap. Monitoring mechanisms are needed for evaluating developments in the field of access. On a policy level, there is a lack of coordination among various international organisations and networks dealing with the access issue. In addition, there is lack of intersectoral approach from technical, legal, economic, educational and other relevant public policy perspectives. 39

Select target paragraph3