http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/ DSF Newsletter en-us Nucleus CMS v3.22 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/ http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=50 The «1% digital solidarity»

Editorial

An equitable information society cannot be envisioned without new forms of solidarity and innovative financing mechanisms. Awareness must be raised. Political and economic decision-makers can no longer shirk their responsibility. Inherent to the digital divide is a cognitive divide that runs the risk of permanently marginalising disconnected populations.The social, political, cultural and economic consequences of this divide will affect both North and South. This includes large numbers of young Africans who are understandably eager to benefit from the advantages offered by the information society. Appropriate measures must be taken to address these challenges. The DSF has been set up to reduce the digital divide. It fights to provide marginalised populations with access to information, in order to give young people a chance to flourish in the land where they were born.

The DSF proposes a simple and effective «1% digital solidarity» principle for all ICT related commercial transactions. It is painless for the private sector, does not affect public budgets and contributes to enlarging the markets of ICT companies. Mindful of the fact that the information society is made up of a large number of interconnected actors, the DSF also seeks the support of local authorities, asking them to include a digital solidarity clause in all invitations to tender related to ICT products or services.

The mechanism proposed by the DSF does not replace other forms of aid; it is the best way of acting today to avoid the worst.

Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=50 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:34:25 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=49 The Secretary of State to the Prime Minister, in charge of New Technologies, Mognana Sow Mohamed Deyna, firmly believes that the innovative financing mechanism proposed by the DSF will give a strong impetus to the development of ICTs

Mauritania could be the third North African nation to join the DSF. What is the reason for this interest?

ICTs play a crucial role in countries’ social and economic development. To take full advantage of this, the Mauritanian Government is firmly committed to mastering ICTs. Within this context, our country is striving to promote and develop the use of computing and technologies in government, the private sector and civil society. The ultimate goal is to establish a positive position for Mauritania in the global information society in order to harness the benefits of the ICT revolution and the globalisation phenomenon, facilitate access to knowledge, fight poverty and overcome the «digital divide». This last goal can only be achieved globally and collectively, which is why digital solidarity is so important at both the regional and international levels.

Mauritania on the path of the «1% digital solidarity»

Can lack of access contribute to permanently marginalising poorer countries in the new information society?

The gap between industrialised countries and developing countries is ever increasing. This gap is most apparent in terms of access to ICTs, which has a social, economic and cultural knock-on effect. African countries are suffering from a new form of exclusion due to limited, or even inexistent access. However, this marginalisation could be corrected by reducing the digital divide through the democratisation of Internet access. To achieve that, countries must focus their work on three areas: developing content, transporting content and accessing that content.

If Mauritania, as other African States, introduce the «1% digital solidarity» principle, do you think that the commitment of African countries will be followed by industrialised nations?

I sincerely hope so, as it is a technically feasible and financially viable concept. The «1% digital solidarity» initiative will boost global demand, which will in itself be to the advantage of all the stakeholders (public sector, private sector, civil society), and will in no way compromise their benefits.

Mognana Sow Mohamed Deyna

Mauritania has decided to organise, end of October, a ministerial gathering of the «5+5». It hopes to make these ten Mediterranean countries the force behind an international drive to reduce the digital divide. What exactly do you expect from this?

One of the aims of the conference is to form a group of leading states (the Mediterranean states) to support this project, the seeds of which came from the African Union and the NEPAD. The idea behind the meeting of the «5+5» group is to establish an initial bridge between Africa and Europe. The objective of the Nouakchott Conference is to create a group of leading states with a view to adopting the «1% digital solidarity » principle, and calling other states to support this measure, as well as establish an action plan to fight the digital divide in the Mediterranean Arc and generate financial support to reduce this divide.]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=49 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:19:42 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=48 Knowledge Societies: asymetries and diversityJérôme Bindé1, coordinator of the UNESCO report Towards Knowledge Societies, considers that the knowledge divide between North and South can only be overcome by technical means

Reducing the digital divide must become a priority objective if new technologies are to contribute to development and stimulate the expansion of genuine «knowledge societies». «Info-exclusion» is not only linked to content, but also to access and connectivity. Consequently, it is tied in with both the digital divide and the cognitive divide, reflecting the educational, cultural and linguistic barriers that make the Internet something alien and inaccessible for populations confined to the margins of globalisation.The digital divide is far from an exclusively technological problem, as it must be viewed in the broader context of the cognitive divide, which is particularly stark between North and South. Connecting populations via pipes and optical fibres is insufficient if this connectivity is not backed up by suitable cognitive and legal instruments that ensure its effectiveness. Access to knowledge is not simply a question of infrastructure, but depends on training, cognitive abilities and regulating access to its content.

New information and communication technologies also permit greater sharing of knowledge. Not only from the digital perspective of the number of individuals connected, but also from the qualitative perspective of content that is diversifying and interacting at an increasing rate.

Therefore, we must disregard providing a standard «turnkey product» as it would insufficiently reflect cultural and linguistic diversity, a necessity to enable everyone to find their bearings amid the developments taking place. Instead, we must recognise the value of local, traditional and indigenous experience, consider it as an integral part of knowledge and protect it with suitable mechanisms.

While the spreading of knowledge may contribute to eradicating certain decisive factors that fuel the digital divide, the main obstacle to the rapid, widespread development of knowledge societies is not only this divide. It is also the existence of major inequalities between countries of the North and countries of the South with regard to the production of and participation in knowledge.

Technology will not succeed in bridging the divides that exist between North and South, as technology alone is no replacement for reflection, thought, education and creativity.

© Jérôme Bindé]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=48 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:15:26 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=47 Ms Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Information Society and Media, sees ICT as a valuable resource for achieving the Millennium Development Goals

European Commission keen to foster digital inclusion

Europe intends to intensify its efforts to become a major player in the information society. Might that not further widen the digital divide?

The European Commission is aware of the fact that the rapid development of the ICT products and services market creates enormous benefits for society, but also lays down potential digital divides. The global information society also risks creating differential development between a core of richer countries and a number of developing countries in terms of access to knowledge.

That is the reason why we set up policies that stimulate markets for the largest uptake of innovative technologies whilst making sure that the benefits are reaped by all. In my view, participation on equal terms in society and economy is a basic individual’s right. In the information society, this translates into an inclusive and barrier-free information for all. Our economy and society would benefit tremendously from such evolution.What is the European Union’s strategy for constructing an inclusive, global information society?

Our leitmotiv is mainstreaming digital inclusion. First of all, access to and accessibility of ICT itself has to become the rule. Inclusive information society tools and services should no longer be a welcome exception or an afterthought. They should be turned into an inspiring design principle.

Recently, we adopted our policy on bridging the broadband gap. Based on increased competition we should aim for a broadband penetration of at least 50% of households by 2010. Broadband combined with a choice of platforms, from PC, mobile phone, kiosk or digital TV has a rich potential for e-inclusion.

Can the «1% digital solidarity», the innovative financing mechanism proposed by the DSF, operate within the EU’s policy to achieve the Millennium Development Goals?

All initiatives which may aid in attaining the Millennium Development Goals are welcomed.

The existing North-South economic and social divide will broaden if developing countries are not helped to take advantage of ICTs in tackling economic and social problems. The new EU development policy which is the world’s largest donor, states that the EU will address the digital divide by exploiting the potential of ICTs as a development tool and as a significant resource for attaining the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Nevertheless, ICTs can only become an effective tool to development and poverty reduction if they are an integral part of a broader, more comprehensive national development strategy. This implies that non-commercial e-applications – such as e-government, e-medicine, e-learning – will continue to be part and parcel of the EU's development policy.]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=47 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:11:51 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=46
Under the title «Digital Solidarity: local governments facilitating multi-actor partnerships», several issues will be addressed: How can local authorities take advantage of the opportunities offered by information technologies? What type of partnerships can they establish with the private sector, NGOs, institutions and civil society? How can they take the lead in organising new financing mechanisms to reduce inequalities in the development of the information society? This workshop will be prepared and co-directed by the World Digital Solidarity Agency and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund.]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=46 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:05:44 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=45 The Global Digital Solidarity Fund establishes a presence on the African continent

Most of the poorest countries of the world are found in Africa. Given that information technologies offer a solution to problems of development, the presence of the DSF in the heart of the continent is clearly necessary », explains Mr Ayuba Kadafa, the DSF representative in Africa. Thus the Global Digital Solidarity Fund’s first regional office was established in July in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, where the Nigerian government has put an administrative building at its disposal.

New DSF regional office

«For me it is a matter of engaging a fruitful dialogue with a variety of actors – the African Union, the NEPAD, the African Development Bank, and all the institutions committed to development – so that we can take full advantage of the synergies at work to enable the Fund to bring the existing initiatives in Africa to completion. The Fund’s message needs to be understood by all the actors involved», commented Mr Kadafa.

The presence of the DSF in Africa will also bring it closer to the needs of the populations so that it can assess requests for support more rapidly and verify the transparency of the source of projects. The Fund’s allocation criteria stipulate that 60% of resources are to be devoted to projects in the least developed countries.

For Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary of the DSF, a presence in Africa will permit the Fund to intercede with the African Heads of State in favour of digital solidarity. «Our policy is to put in place a solidarity that involves everybody. The of «1% digital solidarity principle» also applies to collectivities that are in need of aid. We are hoping that Africa will show the way by demonstrating that this principle can also be applied by the poorest collectivities. It is important that the African nations should be the first to show that this innovative financing mechanism can provide new resources. Our thanks go to President Obasanjo at this juncture for his support in establishing our first regional office. »]]> DSF-news Nr. 8 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=45 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:04:35 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=44 A single objective: success!

Editorial

Less than a year after the Tunis Summit, the first projects launched by the DSF are demonstrating the value of the community-based approach to bridging the digital divide.Whereas the industrial society developed above all by way of its production poles (metallurgy, chemistry, textiles, etc.), the great strength of the information society is its ability to transform every field of activity, right down to the individual. In so doing, it strengthens the role of the small and medium enterprises, which are today the bedrock of economic growth. It serves as an ideal way to ensure employment outside the main centres of activity, with optimum use of skills and the potential to reduce migration.

The DSF pilot projects are the living proof of this. The Fund is thus encouraged to pursue its combat, by renewing its call to all economic and political stakeholders. First a call to public authorities, and especially to local collectivities, requesting them to implement the 1% digital solidarity principle without delay, an approach which, according to the Brasilian Foreign Minister, «is already bearing fruit». Next, a call to businesses, for here they have an opportunity to join in a truly participative information society. Finally, a call to the national and multilateral financing institutions, with the request to support DSF’s projects.

These initial successes have inspired us at the Fund to revamp its presentation: a more attractive newsletter, and, coming soon, a new website. The summer recess is coming to a close, and it’s time to get down to work!

Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary]]> DSF-news Nr. 7 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=44 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 11:34:54 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=43 According to the President of Burkina Faso H.E. Blaise Compaore, the DSF can play a major role in building an inclusive global information society

At the end of May, Burkina Faso organised its 2nd National Internet Week, with the theme «ICT and health». Is digital literacy a priority?

If people cannot make effective use of ICT they become increasingly handicapped in their lives. So it is important to create opportunities to increase awareness of these new technologies and familiarity with their use, such as the National Internet Week, and to encourage school leavers to learn to master these tools.

President of Burkina Faso H.E. Blaise Compaore

What is your strategy to promote the development of ICT on a national scale?

Burkina Faso sees ICT as one of the main instruments in its efforts to reduce poverty. New legislation is being prepared with a view to attracting private investors in the development of electronic communication networks and services throughout the country. This will help us to build a basic infrastructure of quality on a national scale that can serve the reform of the Administration, decentralization, improvement of the educational system and health services, and thus strengthen the capacities of both the rural and business worlds.

In how far can the community health projects associated with ICT, such as those supported by the DSF, contribute to helping the country’s development?

The four projects that have been launched in our country are perfectly consistent with our stated objectives. Demonstrations presented during the Week of the Internet have shown how the facilities available will permit optimum utilization of specialized medical personnel and an improvement in the quality of health services offered to patients in the beneficiary localities.

Burkina Faso organised its 2nd National Internet Week

How do you understand the role of the DSF in the fight against the digital divide?

The DSF can play a major role in the creation of an inclusive global information society. It must permit the financing of activities such as the extension of access to electronic communications, the establishment of contents and services adapted to local needs, and the training of users and technicians. By its very nature, too, the Fund must promote international cooperation and sharing of experiences between different countries.

Would you agree that ICT is also an opportunity for Burkina Faso to share its culture on a wide scale?

Certainly. That is why, with the support of its partners, the country is making an effort to ensure the presence of national television by satellite and the Internet, in conjunction with on-line access to the main public and private daily newspapers. The efforts made to promote our cultural heritage on the Internet are continuing with the aim of enhancing the public image of the country and its people.]]> DSF-news Nr. 7 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=43 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 11:30:55 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=42 Supported by the DSF, three associations engaged in the fight against AIDS relay the Wi-Fi access to their community

There was a certain satisfaction in her voice as Dr. Françoise Ndayishimiye made the announcement, «This is a first in the history of telecommunications in Burundi. Until now, Bujumbura has been cut off from other sites in the country interior. Internet has now become a reality for our associations and we can take advantage of the resources provided by the DSF and correspond daily with our partners in Ngozi and Gitega, located 80 km away. »

Mehdy Davary (IT Department Director at DSF), Dr. Françoise Ndayishimiye (President of AIDSETI)

The Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS (CNLS) and President of the AIDSETI 1 network is convinced of the advantages of the project supported by the DSF. «First, satellite connections will facilitate the exchange of information between the actors in the fight against AIDS. In addition, certain difficult medical cases can now be examined remotely by physicians located in the capital or abroad. Lastly, we will be able to collect data on interventions carried out in the country and monitor them on a day-to-day basis. »

But the projects supported by the DSF are by no means limited to the installation of V-SAT antennae and providing broadband access to three sites: the first associations of Burundi involved in the programme – ANSS2 in Gitega, SWAA3 in Ngozi and CNLS in Bujumbura – are willing to share the broadband facility with other public stakeholders. The equipment required for interconnectivity among local communities within a range of 30 km is in the process of being deployed. On completion, 5 to 10 new beneficiaries, including dispensaries and hospitals, will have access to Wi-Fi. Finally, 30 computers will be available for use at each of the sites.

«AIDSETI’s projects in Burundi and Burkina Faso are the first pilot projects to be put in place by the Fund», explains Elena Ursache, head of projects at DSF. «It is vital that they should succeed, for the local communities have put their confidence in the terms of the DSF-AIDSETI agreement. Today, the AIDS associations are in the process of identifying the applications that are best adapted to their needs: only in this way can we make a meaningful change in the lives of the patients.» Finally, the DSF is further extending its contribution in Burundi with the installation of a fourth VSAT antenna at Bururi, where five hundred University students will be able to benefit from a broadband link.

1 AIDS Empowerment and Treatment International is a network of 23 associations in thirteen countries in Africa and the Caribbean
2 Association Nationale de Soutien aux Sidéens – National Association of Support to People Living with AIDS
3 Society of Women Against AIDS in Africa]]> DSF-news Nr. 7 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=42 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 11:28:22 +0200 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=41 According to the Secretary General of the Francophonie (OIF) Abdou Diouf, information and communication technology (ICT) constitutes an essential tool in the achievement of the Millennium Goals

What danger does the digital divide represent for the developing countries?

Inequalities of access to the digital world are symptomatic of the inequalities of development. As technological innovations progress, the digital divide is growing wider. This inequality is all the more serious in that it gives rise to an incapacity to use the most up-to-date and efficient technologies, which are essential if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

« There is no such thing as digital fatalism! »

How can the international community reduce the digital divide?

There is no such thing as digital fatalism! All our energies must be mobilized to meet the challenge of the digital divide. Governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, international organizations, all must be motivated by the same desire for solidarity and work towards setting up a national strategy for the «information society».

Can the 1% digital solidarity contribution on ICT-related transactions finance the challenge of the digital divide?

Traditional international financing schemes have shown their limits in supporting the deployment of communication infrastructures and digital initiatives with a social, cultural and educational intention. A digital solidarity contribution on the acquisition of ICT equipment is one of the best ways of contributing to the reduction of the digital divide. Indeed, the OIF was the first organization to accept the application of the contribution to digital solidarity proposed by the DSF.

How do you see the responsibility of the ICT businesses?

While it remains true that the private sector’s prime objective is to make a profit, ICT businesses are seen as partners in the effort to build the information society. Digital solidarity requires the business world, the public authorities and civil society to fully assume their responsibilities within the limits of their competences. The 1% digital solidarity contribution provides an opportunity for businesses to participate, with the international community, in the development of a more equitable information society.

Can ICT contribute to the OIF’s goals?

It is not by chance that we have chosen «Information Technologies in Education » as the theme for the Eleventh Francophonie Summit to be held in Bucharest on 28 and 29 September, for we are convinced that ICT can make a major contribution to broadening access to quality education and promoting literacy for all. Technology can help to establish a truly inclusive information society and a knowledge economy; it privileges a process of development that respects cultural and linguistic diversity.]]> DSF-news Nr. 7 http://www.dsf-fsn.org/newsfsn/index.php?itemid=41 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 11:25:55 +0200