The Digital Opportunity Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organization initially launched by National Information Society Agency (NIA) through the financial support of the Korean Ministry of Public Administration and Security (MOPAS). It is designed to promote international cooperation in the information technology (IT) arena to bridge the global digital divide and to build human capacities and partnership among participating members. It facilitates knowledge sharing on IT policies and national informatization experiences through the human networking of participating members and ultimately of the institutions and countries they represent.

Recognizing the importance of promoting the use of ICT for development worldwide;

Recognizing the benefit of increased collaboration and knowledge sharing among developed and developing countries to create equal opportunities for informatization and ICT development;

Contributing to wider access to information and knowledge in participating countries;

Aiming to increase collaboration between and among the participating members and the countries they represent;

Recognizing that this collaboration would be enhanced by using common standards, and

Noting also the common goals and objectives of participating members of the Digital Opportunity Forum;

Sets forth the following:

2. The DOF represents a unique opportunity to establish a coherent international network to facilitate and promote the use of Information and Communication Technologies for development, thus contributing to the establishment of an inclusive Information Society.

3. The DOF, recognizing the potential of ICTs to support economic growth and development, shall make efforts to bridge the digital divide by supporting regional and international cooperation to: improve access to information and communication infrastructure and technologies; share and exchange knowledge and experiences; build ICT capacity; develop and utilize ICT applications and services; increase confidence in the use and security of ICTs; create an enabling environment; and foster technology exchange and transfer.

4. The DOF is committed to work toward achieving the goals and objectives of the Forum and its members

1. Provide mechanisms including both online and offline programs to support the collaboration and development of its members;

2. Create and leverage the network among its members to establish mutually beneficial relationships for their countries’ development;

3. Contribute to the sustainability of the Forum and its members by sharing experiences and knowledge;

4. Provide an annual forum for dialogue and discussion on the status of international informatization and on the bridging of the international digital divide among and between the members;

5. Jointly develop and implement research projects with developmental impact at the national, regional, and global levels;

The Digital Opportunity Forum shall be guided, inter alia, by the following principles:

1. Digital Opportunity Focus: The Digital Opportunity Forum shall operate to contribute to the digital opportunities of the countries wherein its members live and have social interest;

2. Collaboration: The Digital Opportunity Forum shall carry out its mission through collaboration among its members;

3. Effective Communication: The Forum and its members agree to operate in the spirit of a network and through collaboration entailing a regular exchange and sharing of information, knowledge, experiences, and support;

4. Participatory Approach: The Forum and its members shall make a reasonable effort to participate in the activities, products and services specified in the DOF Charter as well as additional activities launched and implemented by the DOF;

5. Operational Portal: The Digital Opportunity Forum shall develop and maintain a web portal that shall contain information on ICT and digital opportunity issues;

6. Freedom: The Digital Opportunity Forum shall place a high value on freedom of speech and expression and on the free exchange of ideas;

7. Community Spirit: the Forum is a part of the regional, national, and international community and thus shall establish a portfolio of services and products for other entities within the community.

8. Openness and Equal opportunity: The Forum shall explore the use of innovative applications and technology for service-delivery and enhanced access to information and shall openly embrace new ideas and alternative solutions. The Forum shall make all efforts to offer equal opportunities to access any resources that it will create or manage;

9. Flexibility: The Forum shall support its growth through the organic development of collaboration between and among its members;

10. Network Effect: The Forum shall continue to evolve and broaden its own ICT network within the regional, national, and international community thereby capitalizing on important network effects to support its increasing usefulness and effectiveness;

11. International Character: The Forum shall take into consideration its international character, showing respect and consideration for different cultural, business, social and other values.