7 - Targeted Strategic Initiatives Table 7.5: ICT for Empowering People with Disabilities Initiative, PWDs – Primary Programs Table 7.5: ICT for Empowering People with Disabilities Initiative, PWDs – Primary Programs Programs Information Infrastructure for People with Disabilities Program Activities Establishment of a national disabilities observatory to develop and maintain databases for people with disabilities, types of disabilities based on geographic distribution, qualifications and skill evels, and training required for them and their teachers and trainers Output National disabilities observatory and databases Establishment of a national network of vocational rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities Raising awareness of specialized software that facilitates communication for people with disabilities Research, Development and Innovation in ICTs for People with Disabilities Program International Cooperation in ICTs for People with Disabilities Program Establishment of a competition to promote development of ICT applications for people with disabilities Issuance of an invitation for research proposals in the field of integration of people with disabilities through ICTs in cooperation with the Ministry of Scientific Research Representation of people with disabilities in international organizations and institutions Exc h an g e of exp erien ce t hro u gh reg ion al an d in tern at ion al co nfe re nces Holding of an annual conference on ICTs for people with disabilities 50 prizes allocated to winners of the competition to develop ICT applications for people with disabilities 10 awards for people with disabilities to attend relevant conferences and training courses Pa r t i c i p a t i o n i n f o u r r e g i o n a l / i n t e r n a t i o n a l co n f e r e n ce s a n n u a l l y A n n u a l co n f e r e n ce 7.6 Green ICT Initiative In line with Egypt’s aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and play an active role in international efforts to promote sustainable development both locally and internationally, programs have been adopted in a number of sectors to reduce emissions and protect the environment. In this context, the ICT sector has a special role to play in reducing emissions and limiting the environmental impact not only of its own activities but across all sectors, thereby supporting sustainable economic and social development. On a global level, the sector has the potential to significantly reduce emissions in other sectors for only a low increase in its own emissions. MCIT’s efforts in the field of green ICT – in cooperation with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, international organizations and the private sector – include programs in the following areas of focus: Sustainable management and development of the ICT sector: Establishing a framework for the Green ICT Strategy for 2012-2015 Coordinating green ICT at the national level Sustainable management of e-waste Recycling of e-waste Policies and legislation Exchange of experience and knowledge Research Raising community awareness 80 81 ICT sector support of environment-friendly sustainable development in other sectors The primary objectives of this initiative are: Supporting sustainable development on the national level Accelerating economic growth by encouraging investment in green ICT Setting national policies for green ICT Raising public awareness of ICTs and their relation to the environment Building human capacity in green ICT Promoting the adoption of smart and energysaving ICT solutions Promoting research in the field of green ICT Promoting use of green ICTs in all sectors Promoting sustainable management of ICT equipment from procurement to recycling Formulating policies that promote reuse and recycling of ICT equipment