‘Countries with special needs’ as defined in ITU resolutions are countries that have gone through periods of armed conflict, civil strife or war and suffered destruction to their telecommunication infrastructure.
ITU provides technical assistance, seed money for the reconstruction of the damaged networks and seeks partners willing to co-finance projects in these countries. Projects are focus on four key areas:
Development of infrastructure and introduction of new technologies
Development of rural telecommunications
Sector restructuring
Human resources development
Below is a list of countries falling in this category*:
Afghanistan
Burundi
Central African Republic – WTDC Resolution 25
Democratic Republic of Congo
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Iraq – PP Resolution 193
Liberia
Libya – WTDC Resolution 83
State of Palestine – PP Resolution and WTDC Resolution
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan – WTDC Resolution 25
Timor-Leste
* Based on ITU categorization
Digital Impact Unlocked in ‘Countries with special needs’