PARTNERS

UN GAID
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – June 19-20, 2006

 

United Nation’s Global Alliance on Information & Development (UN GAID), inaugural meeting

DiploFoundation supported the participation of Dr Nikhil Agarwal and Fuatai Purcell in the United Nations' recent launch of Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Development (GAID) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

 

 

The background of GAID can be traced to the UN ICT task force, the primary aim of which was to initiate a dialogue between all stakeholders from different sectors of society. As a result of the recommendation of the ICT Task Force, it was agreed that there is a greater need for the participation of industry, government and individuals (Public-Private-People-Partnerships) in order to achieve the UN’s goals for the development of the world. The mission of GAID is:

 

The Alliance responds to the need and demand for an inclusive global forum and platform for cross-sectoral policy dialogue on the use of ICT for enhancing the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, notably reduction of poverty.

 

Dr Nikhil Agarwal, who participated in his capacity as member on the panel of advisers, succeeded in networking with other attendees, with whom he discussed various issues connected with IG and ICT4D. According to Dr Agarwal, many of the participants were aware of Diplo’s name but were not very familiar with the work that DiploFoundation was doing. Dr Agarwal, together with another Diplo associate, Fuatai Purcell, was able to distribute several of the informative books and DVDs on IG – developed and produced by DiploFoundation – among the participants, and personally presented copies to DiploFoundation’s new associates. Undoubtedly, this networking will eventually help DiploFoundation to create a South-South partnership. Dr Agarwal has put forward the idea of hosting IG events in the associates’ respective countries and organisations.

 

DiploFoundation’s IGCBP was also given prominence, and the posters on the subject that were put up in prominent locations in the meeting area stimulating considerable interest from participants, who expressed a desire to learn more about the programme. Dr Agarwal pointed out that this type of participation will increase DiploFoundation’s profile in the world community and suggested that the next step should be to participate in GAID at a regional level.

At the end of the meeting, which was attended by over 700 experts from around the world, GAID adopted the “Kuala Lumpur Vision” which outlines the principles of its future work in its pledge to overcome the social and digital divides between developed and developing countries. The vision also seeks to promote policies and partnerships that can help create an “arc of digital opportunity”.
 

Related Links:

UN-GAID Website

Nalaka Gunawardene Observations

ig

Login