"The Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) Program Area is one of the three (3) principal program lines at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The programming includes elements all of which are at or near their mid-point of current tenure. Within the Corporate Strategic Program Framework, the ICT4D Program Area is to principally address issues relating to connectivity and information economy in the developing world. Subsequent research themes approved by the Board of Governors include poverty reduction, people development, networks, learning and development and partnerships. The issue of gender is also a cross-cutting theme within the Program Area. The report which follows describes how the program elements are performing, the nature of their activities and what new undertakings have been generated. As well, the report addresses the complex, but crucial, objective of Capacity Building. A vision of what steps lie ahead for this programming at IDRC is also offered." (Executive summary, page 5)