The international community shares around ICT4D: You can be part of this too (WSIS 2011)

The annual WSIS Forum (World Summit on the Information Society follow-up Forum) is in full swing this week. Taking place in Geneva, the Forum covers everything from universal access to e-education to computer waste.

There are many topics of interest to the e-Agriculture Community, including sessions that are organized by members of the Community or have members of the Community speaking/participating.

Even if you are not in Geneva, do consider following the sessions that are of interest to you and participating using ITU's remote participation channels. It is important that your voice is heard. There are many leaders of large development organizations, policy makers and government officials here - and they need to know what you think. For full details on how you can participate from anywhere, see here.

  GENDER: Women in the Information Society

Several speakers and delegates during the day have noted that the important issue of gender/women is not a notable focus in the Forum. However, many of us know the role of women is critical to successful development, with the ICT4D sector being no exception. There is a need for more female ICT ministers, better capacity development, appropriateness in technology, etc. Keep an eye out for more on this at future WSIS Forums. The e-Agriculture Community has actively recognized the importance of this matter, collaborating with GenARDIS and APC Women last year, and with CTA right now to host knowledge sharing discussion forums, and has curated some useful resources around this important topic.

  ACCESS: People with Disabilities in Poor & Developing Areas

Ten percent (10%) of the world's population has some sort of disability, from physical to cognitive. That's a lot of people. What's more, there's a high concentration of people with disabilities in poor and developing areas. UNESCO organized a very interesting session on "Access to information and knowledge for persons with disabilities". There is a free online tool to check whether or not your website is accessible http://achecker.ca. If you try it, we would love to hear about your experience. As one of the speakers said, "accessibility should not be a segregated service." Technology is racing foreword. We who work in rural areas and in institutions that support development need to prevent technology's growth from increasing the "have vs. have not" disparity. It's also important to promote this issue, because most of the world's content is being created by individuals and institutions that do not think about accessibility.

  MOBILE TECHNOLOGY: It's Everywhere

Mobile technology and its rapid expansion in developing countries continues to be a frequent topic of discussion in many instances. I have heard it mentioned today from casual conversation at coffee breaks to high level presentations. On Wednesday this week from 14.45-18.00 (CET+1), we will be looking at "The Promise of Mobile Technology" in two sessions that will allow you to interact with leading thinkers and practitioners, building on our latest experiences and looking forward. Panelist from both the public and private sector, researchers and practitioners, promise to make this a comprehensive discussion. Details of the discussion can be found at http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2011/Agenda.aspx?event=event_86 and instructions for remote participation can be found at http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2011/About/RemoteParticipation.aspx noting that the session will be held in Room IX.

Don't forget that Community members Mireia Fernández-Ardèvol (IN3), Manish Pandey (Swisscontact), and Ugo Vallauri (ICT4D Collective) have written blogs about mobile telephony to share their extensive experience and ideas with you. Tell us what you think by commenting on these blogs.

  MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS: the ICT4D Collective

On Tuesday the ICT4D Collective, with support from Cisco, is inviting everyone to participate in the session "Development Impact of Multi-stakeholder Partnerships in ICT4D" http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2011/Agenda.aspx?event=event_60) from 16.30-18.00 (CET+1). To join the online discussion (including mobile devices), please use the following information:

Meeting Number: 608 639 429

1. Go to https://ciscosales.webex.com/ciscosales/j.php?J=608639429&PW=NYzY4NDE5MjI3
2. Enter the meeting password: 123
3. Click "Join Now".
4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

  In the cloud...

There is talk about cloud computing creating an enabling environment and increasing accessibility of ICT's benefits for all. I'm still waiting to hear of an example where the "cloud" is used for rural or agricultural communities.

More about what I learn at the WSIS Forum coming in the next few days.