 ITU's Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiative, SSDM, seeks to ensure that information and communication technologies are used for both the development of countries and for disaster management, with the aim of improving the lives of millions of people across the globe. Based on ITU figures, there are more than 7 billion mobile cellular subscriptions, corresponding to a penetration rate of 97%. 3.2 billion people are using the internet, and mobile broadband penetration has reached 47%, a value that increased 12 times since 2007. ICT has the capability to reduce the risk of disaster and vulnerability of populations and infrastructure. It is this important role that the Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiative seeks to achieve a balance between ICT for development and ICT for disaster management. The Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiative represents the basic priorities of the ITU membership to bridge the digital divide, drive socioeconomic development, and preserve human life before, during and after disasters strike. Be part of this great initiative, SSDM, designed to touch lives.