Education and learning are central to UNESCO’s mandate and to most of the gains that are anticipated from the widespread use of ICT. One of the basic requirements for education in the 21st century is to prepare populations for participation in a knowledge-based economy, including the social and cultural perspectives.

E-learning is a cornerstone for building inclusive knowledge societies. UNESCO, with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, has played a key role in World Summit of Information Society. UNESCO’s contribution incorporated the ethical, legal and socio-cultural dimensions of the Information Society and helped to grasp the opportunities offered by ICT by placing the individual at its centre.