United Nations Development Programme and HP Announce Agreement to Expand Internet Access and Information Technology to Developing Countries; HP to Support UNDP's Sustainable Development Networking Programme

Business Wire, August 27, 1996

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 1996--The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hewlett-Packard Company today announced an agreement to work together to help developing countries around the world receive a wide range of information technology, consulting and support services that could expand the use of the Internet and computer systems for environmental protection, economic development and related social issues. Mexico and China are among the first countries that will benefit from the agreement, which links together an international development organization and a leading, global supplier of information technology.

"We're pleased to work with the United Nations Development Programme to help developing countries use technology to improve the quality of life for their people," said Lewis E. Platt, HP chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "UNDP initiatives can make a tangible difference in how developing countries use the Internet to gain access to information that will improve the way they live, work and communicate."

During the first phase of the multiphase, multiyear agreement, HP will donate a wide range of new HP computing equipment, including enterprise servers, personal computers, printers and other peripherals to the UNDP's Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP), a non-profit, global communication initiative. HP technical personnel or business partners also will act as advisers to SDNP staff to ensure that local users in the developing countries are trained.

The SDNP, founded in 1992, links government bodies, universities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and individuals in 30 developing countries for the purpose of exchanging critical information on sustainable human development -- a conceptual framework that seeks to balance global economic expansion with concern for the environment, health and social welfare of future generations. By 1999, SDNP hopes to double the number of developing countries in which it operates.

"The communications revolution is enabling millions of people to improve their standard of living by becoming better informed and by helping them participate in the decision-making process," said James Gustave Speth, Administrator, UNDP. "The SDNP capitalizes on the global thirst for information by identifying key sources of critical data and by supplying this data via electronic networks to developing nations."

In the agreement's first phase, HP is slated to assist the SDNP in building an on-line information access and communication network in 16 countries -- using HP Internet hardware and software along with other technologies. Based on its success, opportunities to extend the arrangement to other developing countries will be explored.

In Mexico, HP will provide computers and support to an SDNP project near Patzcuaro Lake, where surrounding communities face serious economic and environmental problems. The lake is being filled by soil erosion due to deforestation and is being polluted by residual waters that threaten its ecosystem, according to the UNDP. HP and SDNP assistance will help government, local industry and local citizens obtain and share information on the implementation of water treatment, garbage collection, ecologically sound fishing practices and soil preservation, as well as on the economic needs of the people.

In China, SDNP is working with the State Science and Technology Commission, which spearheaded the formulation of the country's Agenda 21, a national economic, environmental and social strategy that aims to help the country meet national goals set as a result of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. HP technology will be installed in the SDNP offices operating within the Agenda 21 program.

Support for the SDNP allows HP to apply its many years of technical and consulting experience to important and difficult challenges of global expansion. As a leader in open systems over the last decade, HP has driven computing standards, providing customers with flexibility as well as investment protection. By serving as a "trusted advisor" and building lasting relationships, HP has been helping customers reach their goals for years.

In an effort to accelerate global access to information for economic development, environmental protection and related social issues, HP also has launched a unique initiative called the "HP Sustainable Future Program." The support for UNDP/SDNP is the first step in this program. Additional program activities involving HP equipment, services and partners are expected to be announced in the future.

"There are many similarities between what HP information technology does for our customers and what we hope it will do through this initiative," said Platt. "HP recognizes the role SDNP is playing and is committed to helping it bring information technology and Internet access to developing countries."

ABOUT HP AND UNDP

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 110,800 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.