Gordon Brown joins World Wide Web Foundation

Gordon Brown has been appointed to the board of directors of the World Wide Web Foundation.

The former prime minister was invited to join by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and will have special responsibilities for encouraging internet use in developing economies, in particular Africa.

"Africa is a new source of dynamism in the global economy. Initiatives designed to promote continuous and sustained growth will have a profound impact, not only on the future of African nations but on our global society," said Brown.

"I support the Foundation's mission to promote the advancement of the web, as well as access to it, especially in Africa where it can act as a catalyst for economic growth."

Brown's role, like those of all the board, will be unpaid. The announcement was made alongside the news that he will also be starting the Gordon and Sarah Brown Foundation, and joining Queen Rania of Jordan's Global Campaign for Education.

"We are delighted that former prime minister Brown has decided to join our board of directors and support the Foundation's projects, which are designed to strengthen the relevance of, and accessibility to, web content for people around the world," said Steve Bratt, chief executive of the World Wide Web Foundation.

"The Foundation's current programmes in Africa are working to empower people to create web content and applications that address local needs, and serve to connect communities with advocates, aid workers, academics, investors and others."