Description (short summary):
The report provides a two-yearly summary of the ongoing WSIS Stocktaking process, which will serve as the central reference point for assessment and evaluation in the Overall Review of the WSIS Implementation (WSIS+10).

The diverse activities reflected in this fourth edition of the report demonstrate the commitment and wide-ranging efforts being made by stakeholders from government, UN agencies, civil society and private industry to build an inclusive Information Society and achieve the WSIS connectivity targets and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

The new edition showcases more than 1 000 innovative ICT-oriented projects covering the period 2010-2012. In many countries, governments have adopted a multi-stakeholder approach for the development of national ICT strategies, actively engaging and harnessing the talents, skills and assets of civil society and private sector.

The aim and scope of projects outlined in the report are very different - some target connectivity for millions, such as the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) that seeks to provide affordable connectivity to landlocked countries in Eurasia, and particularly Central Asia; others target regional investments to enhance ICT access, applications and services; and a few aim to raise awareness about particular topics through conferences and workshops.

The focus of the report is on sharing innovative ideas to promote the use of ICTs in socio-economic development and on identifying best ICT-related practices in different countries.

The report also provides a detailed look at the role of ICTs in the transition towards a green economy, as well as important information on sustainable development, climate change and environmental challenges in the future.

Number of pages: 148