This Intersectoral Platform involves three major programmes, Education, Science and Communication and Information, working together towards the inclusion of all learners through ICT, the reinforcement of quality education and training for all, and lifelong learning through the innovative integration of locally relevant ICT into teaching and learning processes. This includes Open Access modalities, building communities of practice, global digital libraries and resource centres and digital learning tools. In general, the educational value of alternative and ICT applications are explored.

The three sectors use technology to enhance efficient interaction, knowledge sharing and cooperation within UNESCO through an “intersectoral team of excellence” with complementary assets and skills.

The strategy focuses on creating synergies, maximizing existing assets, avoiding duplication and reducing costs by enhancing collaboration. The potential of multi-purpose Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and Community Multimedia Centres (CMCs) and Virtual Campuses as knowledge providers and tools for development and poverty eradication, will be fully explored. New approaches are planned, to encourage lifelong learning opportunities, create and reinforce literate environments and oster income-generating activities.

The development of such new approaches to knowledge dissemination and utilization will include new models of open and distance learning (ODL) benefiting lifelong learning. The strategy will focus on fostering the use of ICT in teaching and learning, including the establishment of standards to strengthen ICT competencies for teachers and researchers and the development of strategies and best practices, resources and capacities for integrating Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and open educational resources (OER) in learning processes. This platform will further underpin UNESCO’s role as global facilitator for the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Line C7 “E-learning”.