Cisco enables people to make powerful connections -whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to the Internet solutions that make networks possible - providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company''''s inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and doing business in more than 175 countries, Ericsson''s long tradition of innovation is based on achievements made possible through a sustained commitment to research and development. Since Lars Magnus Ericsson founded the company in 1876, the company has retained the principle that communication is a basic human need.

Ericsson provides end-to-end solutions – from networks and multimedia solutions to telecommunications services and core technology for mobile handsets. Through its 50 percent ownership of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, the company is also a principal supplier of attractive and innovative handsets and consumer products.

Founded by Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, Gustavo Cisneros, and Ricardo Cisneros, in association with the Cisneros Group of Companies, the Fundación Cisneros draws on the multifaceted resources of the Cisneros Group, especially its advanced media technologies, to build its innovative programs and partnerships. In so doing, the Fundación works to fortify communities, promote free expression, encourage economic independence, and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Whether it''s investing 100 million dollars annually to improve education in 50 countries or volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours in our communities, Intel is committed to investing in the next generation of innovators and supporting community needs at the local, national and global levels to lasting impact.

A partner for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Inter-American Development Bank provides financing, leverage, policy advice, research, and technical assistance to carry out development projects in 26 countries of the region.

Since 1959, the IDB has been the main source of multilateral financing for the region, supporting over 300 projects for social and economic development with an average of $10 billion in financing a year.

The IDB has a responsive, client-centered business model, which enables the Bank to better tailor its products and services to the changing needs of individual governments and businesses in the region.

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Crown corporation d by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Its support is directed toward creating a local research community whose work will build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

Development policy is an integral part of Finland’s foreign and security policy. Development policy contributes to the global effort to eradicate poverty through economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development.

The main goal of development policy is to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable development in accordance with the UN Millennium Development Goals which were set in 2000.

Finland places particular emphasis on the importance of issues relating to climate and the environment. At the same time, we stress crisis prevention and support for peace processes as an important element of the promotion of socially sustainable development.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is Switzerland''''s international cooperation agency within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In operating with other federal offices concerned, SDC is responsible for the overall coordination of development activities and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as for humanitarian aid.