Vision - November/December 2007 - (Page 18)

tech Policy news from washington ] • [ by joanne sonenshine At the 2008 International CES, the Technology and Emerging Countries program will examine how technology investments can advance development. Francois Lenoir/Reuters/Corbis Global Policy L eaders around the world pledged to tackle development challenges, including combating poverty, illiteracy and environmental degradation, under the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals. To achieve a more prosperous, highly developed global society, the Millennium Development Goals encourage governments to cooperate with the private sector to “make available the benefits of new technologies” so that in the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, “We can work together to make this world more prosperous, more secure, more harmonious and more developed through Information Communications Technology.” There are countless success stories highlighting the way technology contributes to economic and sustainable development in emerging economies. According to the Peace Corps, which established a comprehensive Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) volunteer program, using technology to engage local communities is the most formative solution to prolonged development. Following are a few highlights from Peace Corps’ projects that have changed lives all over the world: • In Jamaica, donated computers help regional health and environmental authorities develop visual educational aids and track wastewater; • In Honduras, second-hand computers are used to set up computer labs where Peace Corps volunteers train locals on Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; • In Nicaragua, ICT products are used to facilitate the flow of information from indigenous health centers; • In Gambia, ICT products at health centers and primary care villages are used to provide medical feedback and supervise caregivers; • In Moldova, Peace Corps helped construct a computer center for local youth that allow access to important health information and basic education through the Internet. • Education volunteers in Zambia collaborate with the Educational Development Center (funded by USAID) and Zambia’s Ministry of Education to provide basic education through interactive radio instruction to orphans and other school-age children who are unable to access education through conventional means because of poverty, unavailability of schools, or a shortage of teachers. These select examples showcase how technology already is transforming the developing world, with much yet to be done. Challenges that developing nations face include lack of infrastructure, limited resources and, in some cases, lack of electricity. Hundreds of organizations around the world are working with leading electronics and IT companies to manage the growing demand for knowledge, training and products that contribute to a connected and digital economy. Sometimes all it takes is a few computers, or radio equipment, even a cell phone, to transform the way in which a small, rural village communicates, creates entrepreneurial opportunities, gains knowledge and protects itself. CEA recognizes that despite all of the progress made on this issue, there is still work to be done to disseminate the message about how technology improves the lives of people worldwide. At the 2008 International CES, the Technology and Emerging Countries program will examine how technology investments can advance development. The new conference will provide an opportunity to share ideas and make visible change in the developing world. Emerging economies are the future for technology. With advancement around the world, technology can be the conduit to changing people’s lives. Visit www.CESweb.org for details on this new program. • www.ce.org 18 November/December 2007 http://www.CESweb.org http://www.ce.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vision - November/December 2007

Vision - November/December 2007 Contents Shapiro's Spectrum In This Issue The Economist C4 Visionary Tech Speak Going Global Eye on Business Tech Policy Special Supplement: CES Unveiled 2008 CES Technologies to Watch Eastern Europe Embraces CE M&A Fest Displaying the Future CEA Newsline Market Insider Just the Stats

Vision - November/December 2007

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