UNESCO Chair in ICT4D session at WSIS Forum 2017

The UNESCO Chair in ICT4D is convening a workshop on Friday the 16th of June at the 2017 WSIS Forum which will be held in Geneva. This workshop will coincide with the recent publication of a new book entitled Reclaiming Information and Communication Technologies for Development

This workshop is held under the premise that the global spread of ICTs has increased inequality, and that the poorest and the most marginalised have failed to sufficiently to benefit. The workshop objectives and purpose are aptly stated in the announcement:-

The workshop will explore whether the continued focus on the ways through which ICTs can contribute to economic growth will inevitably lead to ever increasing, and dangerous, inequality, and will make recommendations as to how different stakeholders can best ensure that the poorest and most marginalised can indeed benefit from their use  - ict4.org.uk

The meeting will have short presentations which will be followed thereafter by an open discussion focusing on participants'contributions.

Brief review of the 'Reclaiming Information and Communication Technologies for Development' book

The book was authored by Tim Unwin and it combines the understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of ICT for development (ICT4D). The publication sets the tone by providing a critical reflection on ICTs and 'Development'. The author accepts that ICTs have the potential to reduce poverty, for example by enhancing education, health delivery, rural development and entrepreneurship across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Thereafter the book reviews works published in the last decade which provided a narratives of the evolution of ICT initiatives that has been implemented in support of global development objectives. Using the established theoretical frameworks of critical evaluation from the members of the Frankfurt School of Critical Theorists the author critiques or evaluates the adoption of ICTs in development as he provides how ICTs have been applied in the development agenda.

The value of this publication is that it also offers alternatives that can make a practical difference in the field and covers wide range of issues related to ICTs which includes their regulation, partnership, technological innovation and also the negative issues related to ICTs.

More information

Source 

1. Oxford University Press reviews
2. UNESCO chair in ICT4D website