In the course of promoting and building an inclusive information society in Western Asia, the UNESCWA and the Union of Arab Information and Communication Technology Associations (IJMA3) agreed to initiate collaboration in developing and implementing specific activities aimed at facilitating the dissemination of information and communication technology (ICT) and increasing knowledge sharing, with special emphasis on creating employment and alleviating poverty. To this end, both parties will sign a Letter of Understanding (LoU) tomorrow at 11am at the UN House, Beirut. The LoU will be signed on behalf of UNESCWA by Mr. Mansour Farah, Officer-in-Charge of the Information and Communication Technology Division, and on behalf of IJMA3 by Mr. Nizar Zakka, CEO of the Union of Arab ICT Associations.

The purpose of the LoU is to specify a framework of cooperation between both parties in developing and implementing specific activities related to convening meetings and workshops on topics of mutual interest; providing technical assistance to member states, including capacity building, to develop the ICT sector in the region, with special emphasis on creating employment and alleviating poverty; promoting the development of regional knowledge networks; and encouraging the development of ICT tools and applications to achieve universal and affordable access to information and knowledge.