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About the ICTD-ASP

A multi-stakeholder partnership platform for ICT development across the Asia-Pacific region

Background

ICT for Development in the Asia-Pacific Region

The ICTD-ASP is a multi-stakeholder partnership platform jointly launched by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It brings together governments, the private sector, international organisations, and other stakeholders to advance ICT-enabled development across Asia and the Pacific.

Information and communication technologies are a powerful catalyst for economic growth, a tool for transforming government services, and a means of empowering citizens. Yet many developing countries in the region face critical challenges — shortfalls in broadband ICT infrastructure and a lack of impactful ICT services and applications that can drive real social and economic progress.

The ICTD-ASP was established to address these gaps. It provides a platform for project information and knowledge sharing, cross-sector development, and coordinated action. Its core objective is to assist developing countries in Asia and the Pacific in bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainable economic growth through ICT.

Three Core Components

How the Platform Works

  • Project Development & Implementation — Advisory support for ICTD investment prioritisation, pre-feasibility studies on high-priority projects, and execution in collaboration with multi-stakeholder partners.
  • Investment Partnership & Resource Mobilisation — A framework for coordination and cooperation with development partners, mobilising resources to fund ICTD initiatives across the region.
  • Information & Knowledge Sharing Network — A hub for exchanging expertise, best practices, and project information among stakeholders working on ICT for development.

Connect Asia-Pacific Summit

The ICTD-ASP partnership was announced by ADB and ITU at the Connect Asia-Pacific Summit on 18 November 2013, held in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. The summit drew approximately 625 participants from 37 ITU Asia-Pacific Member States, including 7 Heads of State or Government and 30 ministers and ambassadors.

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Projects & Investment

The ICTD-ASP project development framework supports pre-feasibility studies, advisory services, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to turn ICTD priorities into funded, executable initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

Explore Projects