21. The modalities of operation of the Task Force should be simple, efficient, transparent and accountable. Agility, innovation and inclusion should be the key characteristics of its activities.

22. In order for the strategic elements outlined above to be implemented, it is essential that the Task Force formulates, with the participation of all stakeholders, a Programme of Action that would contain a set of clear priorities with target dates and indicators of achievement. It should establish effective, transparent and participatory monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and procedures in the pursuit of its strategic objectives. However, it should be made clear that the Task Force is not intended to have any kind of regulatory authority over other organizations and initiatives, and thus such indicators should not be binding but will only serve for measuring the progress of the common effort.

23. As one of its first tasks, the Task Force should interact and cooperate with other activities in compiling a global inventory/compendium of relevant ICT-for-development programmes, projects and best practices drawing from lessons learned about the projects currently underway and making this knowledge available to potential recipients and other interested stakeholders.

24. For the implementation of its strategy, the Task Force should be supported by a network of satellite nodes - regional, sub-regional and national mechanisms built, as much as possible, on the basis of existing programmes and activities. These sub-Task Forces would feed into the global Task Force and secretariat's work by contributing to research, lessons learned and as a source of the "global inventory". The sub-Task Forces work would start with mobilizing all actors at these levels to highlight and address locally identified as well as globally identified gaps and constraints in policy and strategy.

25. The Task Force shall review its Programme of Action, as required, on the basis of results achieved and introduce necessary modifications.

26. The Task Force's composition should reflect its qualitatively new character of a multi-stakeholder effort with full and effective participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector. To ensure the necessary agility and innovation, the Task Force should have functional autonomy..

27. The Secretary General shall appoint members of the Task Force following consultations with the regional groups and on the basis of the following
criteria:

	It should be comprised of high policy-level representatives of stakeholders;
	The Task Force's composition should be balanced, in terms of partner representation (public and private sectors, not-for-profit organizations, United Nations system) and geographical representation (developed countries, developing countries and countries with economies in transition);
	It should be an inclusive and participatory but also an effective body, as small as possible without compromising its representative character;
	The President of ECOSOC shall be ex officio member of the Task Force.

28. In accordance with the above criteria and taking into account the composition of existing bodies such as the Executive Boards of the funds and programmes, it is proposed that the Task Force be comprised of 37 members as follows:

	eighteen representatives of Member States;
	eight representatives of the private sector;
	four representatives of the non-profit sector, including academia and NGOs;
	six representatives of the United Nations system organizations;
	President of ECOSOC (ex officio)

29. The Task Force may set up working level arrangements and technical working/study groups, as required. The Task Force would elect its own Chairperson.

30. The Task Force should develop appropriate arrangements for eliciting the participation and inputs from all relevant stakeholders who may register their interest in participating in the process.

31. The Task Force will be supported by a small core secretariat with additional support on the basis of secondment from participating United Nations system agencies and other stakeholders. Regional, sub-regional and national Task Forces mechanisms will determine their own appropriate secretariat arrangements.

36. Financing of Task Force activities should not lead to diversion of resources from other development or poverty reduction efforts.

37. For the Task Force to be able to conduct its work, a core budget from voluntary contributions should be established under the authority of the Secretary-General, initially to support its functioning and its secretariat. In the context of the implementation of its Programme of Action, the Task Force would seek to mobilize funding for supporting programmes and projects, and may, in this context, consider the mobilization of additional resources for a Trust Fund and raise resources through other appropriate mechanisms.

38. Harnessing the potential of the ICT revolution for development for all, for reduction of poverty, for empowerment of those who are currently marginalized is a monumental challenge. At the same time, it is an extraordinary opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of the vast majority of the people on this planet..

39. Although ICT do not provide the magic wand in overcoming poverty and addressing development problems, they can make a major contribution in tackling many longstanding development challenges. The establishment of the ICT Task Force can be an important catalyst in this endeavour.

40. The speed of global technological and economic transformation demands substantive action on a global scale now. Changes that used to occur over a period of years now take place within months; changes that previously took months now occur within weeks. The challenge is not solely to bridge the existing global "digital divide", but to avoid the prospect that it rapidly grows wider. The ICT Task Force, based on strong support and commitment from all partners, can make a tangible contribution to our quest for a better world for all.