Recognizing the great possibilities, as well as the expanding divide, the Secretary-General has highlighted the bridging of the divide and the promotion of digital opportunities as a main priority area of the Millennium Report, "We the Peoples."

"Everything must be done to maximize...peoples' access to new information networks, and make sure they are not denied the opportunities offered by the digital revolution."

While harnessing the benefits of ICT in the face of lacking resources and skills, inadequate basic infrastructures, illiteracy, language barriers, and prohibitive costs will not be easy; it is not impossible.

Nations, private corporations, and international organizations must demonstrate global solidarity to bridge the divide, and achieve universal Connectivity, Capacity and Content.

"Knowledge is the only resource whose potential impact on human development is constrained not by its scarcity, but by our current inability to use it adequately."

Connectivity: Without access, people cannot harness ICT, or its benefits. Efforts to achieve universal access require innovative approaches, such as wireless connections and low cost access devices. Also indispensable are partnerships, including group and community connectivity and private sector investment.

Capacity: Without the capacity to exploit connectivity, universal access is meaningless. Investment in education, both basic and digital, gives individuals the skills and knowledge to use ICT effectively. From primary school on up to life-long learning, education and capacity building should be at the heart of any national, regional and international technology strategy.

Content: Without pertinent content, connectivity and capacity become irrelevant. The development of local content on the Internet will help foster a culturally and linguistically diverse cyberspace and can also facilitate entrance to the knowledge-based economy.

The Secretary-General has outlined three key initiatives to be undertaken by the United Nations and its partners around the world to help countries maximize the benefits of ICT:

• A volunteer corps, called the United Nations Information Technology Service ('UNITeS'), to train groups in developing countries in the uses and opportunities of the Internet and information technology.

Through collaboration, dedication, effective policies and strategies, nations can ensure every individual’s access to digital opportunities and the ability to exploit the great promise of the Information Age.