The next stage of the project on “Modernization of Sustainability and Efficiency of ICT Infrastructure and Services in Azerbaijan” will start soon. This has been made possible due to the agreement reached between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Azerbaijan and the country’s Ministry of Communications and High Technologies. According to the UNDP, the project’s objectives are extending the areas of application of ICT, maximizing socio-economic impact and creating multi-stakeholder dialogue for bridging the digital divide at the regional level. Under the project, multiple partnerships will be pursued with international organizations like UNDESA, UNECE, UNPAN, UNESCAP and others, with national and local authorities, civil society, business circles and bilateral partners in Azerbaijan. In addition to this, joint activities have been planned for implementation of the TASIM (Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway) project, for development of a national innovation driven, developing economy, as well as infrastructure, e-government and other spheres. The project also provides for cooperation in the organization of the Regional Internet Governance Forum in Baku. UNDP Azerbaijan has been a long-time partner of the Government of Azerbaijan within the area of ICT. Throughout these years, many projects with various state institutions have been realized like the preparation of the National ICT Strategy, the establishment of the AzDataCom network, the creation of the Data Center and automation of business processes in the State Social Pension Fund, Ministry of Justice, State Customs Committee and other government sectors in Azerbaijan. Source: http://www.azernews.az/