The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Foundation underlined the need of more focused investment in inclusive urban technology by governments and city planners, on the occasion of the 'World Telecommunication and Information Society Day' (WTISD), held on 17 May 2010, in Shanghai - China.

The purpose of WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. Celebrated every year since 1969 on 17th May, this year's theme is: 'Better City, Better Life with ICTs'.

As the rates of urbanisation seem likely to rapidly accelerate on a global scale, ICTs will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that cities become more eco-friendly and economically viable.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - the founders of WTISD - "by providing affordable and equitable access to information and knowledge to empower everyone to achieve their aspirations, administrations can contribute towards meeting the rising expectations of an ever-growing population in the world's cities."

The ECDL Foundation supports WTISD and encourages city governments to accelerate the application of technology to improve the quality of urban living for all citizens. "Cities can function as webs of urban villages, using technology to create and sustain social relationships which flow naturally from the virtual to the village. However, to avoid creating generations of digital recluses, we need to ensure that technology is not just accessible but inclusive. Inclusive urban societies will be determined by the levels of digital literacy. We need to invest equally in the technology and digital skills to make them inclusive."

Further information:

• Original News Article - European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Foundation
• World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2010: Better city, better life with ICTs