Brief description: In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, policymakers and other Government officials play a crucial role in creating and sustaining an environment that promotes transition towards a knowledge economy and the use of ICT for development (ICT4D), as conceptualized by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Policymakers set priorities, procure and allocate funds, facilitate alliances and partnerships, enact policies that promote the ICT industry sector and implement initiatives that fit within wider knowledge economy strategies. Similarly, Government officials can utilize ICT to: (a) create and maintain systems that enhance Government efficiency; (b) facilitate access to e-services for a wide range of beneficiaries, including those living in deprived, rural and remote areas; and (c) propagate other citizen-centric services to the population. Therefore, it is imperative for ICT initiatives to be implemented as part of a well-structured developmental national strategy within a broader perspective on how ICT can best address the Millennium Development Goals. The Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders (AIGLE) in the ESCWA Region project builds upon lessons learned and the achievements of a similar academy that was launched in 2008 by the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) . Situated in Korea (ESCAP region), APCICT has developed a structured and comprehensive ICT training curriculum, consisting of eight core modules, updated in early 2012, in addition to two ICT4D case study series. As part of the current project, ESCWA will analyze and revise this curriculum, localize and translate selected modules as well as create new modules that would be in line with the specificities of the region. AIGLE will disseminate this curriculum through training sessions, workshops and an online training platform. The goal of AIGLE is to help ESCWA member Governments build enhanced capacities among policymakers to narrow ICT human resources gaps, reduce barriers to ICT adoption and promote the application of ICT in accelerating socio-economic development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. AIGLE will serve to enhance the capacity of national partners, mainly public administration teaching institutions, information technology or e-Government authorities and agencies, universities and training institutes. It will also pave the way for the design and development of training programmes through people’s participation and ownership of the process, maximizing the impact and ensuring the sustainability of the project. During the implementation of the project, collaborative partnerships will be established with other United Nations Regional Commissions, mainly with ESCAP through APCICT and ECA and, potentially with other partners including UNU, Dubai School of Government (DSG) and ETC (ESCWA Technology Centre). This document builds upon a concept note that was prepared by ESCWA in 2011 and approved as part of the 8th tranche of the Development Account.