Our Common Humanity in the Information Age. Principles and Values for Development

IMPACT OF ICTs ON VALUES
Dennis Anderson, Associate Dean, Professor, Seidenberg School of 
Computer Science and Information Systems, Pace University
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have transformed our world in a 
very short period of time, increasing opportunities for equality. Many of us who live in 
developed countries enjoy the benefits of this transformation, such as ATM machines and 
videoconferencing. In the ICT age, the physical world has become linked to the virtual 
world. For example, millions of youth today are meeting in the virtual space through 
multiplayer games and social networks. While there is a never ending attempt to bring the 
physical world closer to the cyber world, more than half of the world's population lives in 
poverty without much hope. Many of these people are simply left behind, as they struggle 
against poverty, hunger, diseases, unsanitary environment, corruption and tyranny.
Fundamental human rights should include
§ Individual dignity
§ Socio-economic sustainable development
§ Freedom from poverty and hunger
§ Universal basic education and the opportunity for advancement
§ Universal healthcare from the prenatal stage to death
§ Freedom from opportunistic diseases
§ Sustainable environment
§ Freedom from tyranny and corruption
§ Freedom of expression
Much of what developed countries have in terms of ICT could be wisely and cost 
effectively applied and leveraged in underdeveloped and developing countries to create 
sustainable development and promote fundamental human rights at the same time. In 

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Chapter IV – Equality and Opportunity | 83 
order to have a greater impact, there has to be a global strategy on ICT for development 
to help those who want to bring ICT to developing countries and underrepresented and 
marginalized people, while ensuring a sustainable environment. What can be done?
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