OneWorld calls on G8 to implement Genoa Plan on Digital Divide
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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release 17 July 2001 OneWorld calls on G8 to implement Genoa Plan on Digital Divide OneWorld www.oneworld.net,the world’s leading online network for human rights and sustainable development, is urging G8 governments to endorse and implement the recommendations of the DOT Force Genoa Plan www.dotforce.org at their forthcoming Summit in Italy on 20-22 July 2001. OneWorld was the organisation chosen as the UK civil society organisation of the DOT Force. Peter Armstrong, Director of OneWorld International says: "The leaders of the most powerful nations in the world now have a framework to help ensure the 'digital divide' does not widen existing social and economic inequalities between countries and communities. This vision must be translated into practical action and commitment if the forces of globalisation are ever to be harnessed for the public good. To not act now on ensuring the benefits of the global information society are shared universally means the spiral of empowerment will continue to advantage the rich whilst leaving the poor behind." The DOT Force recommendations, published in May, have been seen by many commentators as providing the most comprehensive guide yet of what needs to be done to make new technology a vital tool in promoting social and economic justice globally. The plan sets out the appropriate ways information and communications technologies (ICTs) can support initiatives that aim to meet the basic needs of the most disadvantaged peoples in our world. The DOT Force has mapped out priority actions to be taken by national governments and their citizens, the international community, the private sector, non-profits and community organisations. The first step requires that G8 governments direct the necessary resources to facilitate implementation of the plan and sustain the momentum on creating digital opportunities for all. OneWorld shares the view of the DOT Force that the basic right of access to knowledge and information is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Ownership by developing countries and the participation of local communities will be the key to realising the benefits of ICTs for the poor as well as the rich. - ends - For more information contact: Glen Tarman, OneWorld Publicity Manager, t +44 (0)20 7735 2100 e media@oneworld.net Notes: 1. OneWorld has sought to harness the democratic potential of ICTs for sustainable development since the emergence of the World Wide Web. Through the portal www.oneworld.net, the network brings together over 950 NGOs working for sustainable development, human rights and an end to world poverty. 2. OneWorld International supports and coordinates 10 OneWorld centres in Africa, Europe, Latin America, South Asia and the United States. 3. The Digital Opportunity Task Force (DOT Force) www.dotforce.org was created by the G8 Heads of State at their Kyushu-Okinawa Summit in July 2000. It brought together forty three teams from government, the private sector, non-profit organisations, and international organisations, representing both developed and developing countries, in a co-operative effort to identify ways in which the digital revolution can benefit all the world's people, especially the poorest and most marginalised groups. The DOT Force has identified the following actions as priorities: Fostering Policy, Regulatory and Network Readiness through establishing and supporting both developing country and emerging economy National eStrategies including eGovernment, and universal participation in new international policy and technical issues raised by ICT and the internet. Improving Connectivity, Increasing Access and Lowering Costs through establishing and supporting a range of targeted interventions as well as dedicated initiatives for the ICT inclusion of the Least Developed Countries. Building Human Capacity through a range of targeted training, education, knowledge creation and sharing initiatives, as well as promoting ICT for healthcare and in support against HIV/AIDS and other infectious and communicable diseases. Encouraging Participation in Global e-Commerce and other e-Networks through enterprise and entrepreneurship for sustainable economic development, including poverty alleviation, and promote national and international effort to support the creation of local content and applications. |
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