International Journal of Management and Social Sciences Research (IJMSSR) ISSN: 2319-4421 Volume 2, No. 3, March 2013 i-Xplore International Research Journal Consortium www.irjcjournals.org 18 The Role of Information and Communication Technologies and their Initiatives in Developing Country’s Sustainable Economic Development Himanshu Sekhar, Acharya, Kushagra Institute of Information and Mgt. Science, Cuttack Smitta Ranjan Dutta, Kushagra Institute of Information and Mgt. Science, Cuttack Ramakanta Bhoi, Kushagra Institute of Information and Mgt. Science, Cuttack ABSTRACT The development of information and communication technologies has the potential for making major contributions towards na tion’s sustainable development. Sustainable development has three principal components: economic growth, social equity and protection of the environment. The appropriate use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) contribute to sustainable development and facilitates fast, cheap, equitable, and resource-efficient access to information, accumulated knowledge, learning opportunities, and co- operation support tools for its citizens. It also offers a high potential for making a positive contribution towards sustainability by reducing the impacts arising from manufacturing and transportation activities. The intent of this paper is to combine the best practices of both Donors and Business to create the most efficient and sustainable mechanism to harness the awesome power of ICT for development as quickly and sustainably as possible. The world cannot tolerate another generation of women and children lost to broken and undelivered promises. ICT not only offers us an opportunity to redesign and deliver the widespread benefits of technology to the most remote location, it also offers us a new approach to Sustainable Development, an approach that will empower people to take control of, and manage their lives. To fulfill these lofty goals we must also redesign the institutions, which are charged with ensuring that for once, we, the international community, deliver on our promises. This paper explores the opportunities that information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer to promote social and economical development in the developing countries. The paper also lists some guidelines which can help countries in setting up their own national goals, objectives and programmes for sustainable development, using the information and communication technologies (ITCs). The focus of this paper is therefore on the financing of initiatives that either use existing infrastructure or set up decentralized means for power and/or connectivity. Keywords: ITC, sustainability, economic growth, social development 1.0 INTRODUCTION The global economy is experiencing one of its most complex and comprehensive challenge in history. The recent credit crisis has led to record unemployment and economic hardship in both developed and emerging countries. World leaders agreed that information and communications technologies (ICT) can play a vital role in the pathway to an economic recovery. A digital revolution can form the foundation of a sustainable global economy. Digital technology affects the lives of people the world over in many ways. ICTs are a key factor not only at the macro level in the process of globalization but also at the micro level where the increased use of mobile phones, for instance, has changed communication patterns all over the world. As with other resources, the rich have the advantage over the poor in accessing Information Technology (IT). The rural population has once again been deprived of the facilities their urban counterparts are blessed with. Today, there is growing consensus that the question of „bread or computers‟ is based on a mistaken understanding of the role of ICT in development. ICTs provide new opportunities for those who are literate, have a good education and adequate resources. Disadvantaged and marginalized groups have little chance to automatically benefit from tools such as the Internet. This further increases social divides, widens the gap between rich and poor countries, regions, individuals and even between men and women. There is a very real threat posed by the complexity and enormity of world poverty that could affect the economic development, environment and political stability of developing countries. The UN has called on individual Governments for international co-operation in a complimentary way to eradicate poverty and to ensure the integration of people living in poverty into economic, social and political life. The UN also encourages the enhancing of the productive capacity of poor communities, which will increase not only their own well- being, but also the communities and societies to which they belong, thereby facilitating participation in resource conservation and environmental protection.