IT skills training is crucial to overcoming digital exclusion and building workforces that can contribute effectively to a global knowledge economy. Microsoft, working in collaboration with partners representing many sectors of society, aims to address the need by providing a learning continuum that is suitable for all citizens, whatever their age and existing skill level.

“Information and communication technologies can significantly contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.” These are the words of Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, taken from his 2005 report In larger freedom. ICT is now recognised as a driver of social and economic development around the world, and emerging market economies have defined a technology-literate workforce as one of their primary requirements. Indeed, governments in both developed and developing countries realise that in order to participate fully in the global knowledge economy, they need to develop not only their physical ICT infrastructures but also the skills of their workforces.

Microsoft Corp, working with a wide range of other organisations, has committed to providing 250 million people worldwide with IT skills training and access to technology by 2010. This commitment is based on a belief that training people in IT is one of the best possible ways of building skills that have economic value to the communities and countries in which those people live. Such training also helps people to realise their potential at a personal level. Research shows clearly that IT skills enhance employment opportunities and help to secure larger salaries.