Re: [GKD] The Global Development Gateway

[Paulo C. G. de Miranda]

Ms. Maguire, GKD members and others,

I first wish to thank you for your reaction to the debate about GDG
provoked by Dr. Gurstein. I also wish to thank him for stimulating "us"
to reflect about the issues that were raised. In the spirit of the
on-going dialogue/discussion we are sharing here, I am taking this
moment to reflect upon your response based on the comments raised so
far.

Of the many issues that Dr. Gurstein raised I would venture to say that
the question of [quote:] "...naive (and failed) attempts at creating
communities of interest [emphasis 'communities of interest'],
self-interested (and failed) attempts to generate volunteer enthusiasm"
[end quote] is perhaps the most critical one. In my view, the success or
failure of creating such communities, will have enduring effects on the
very harsh and indeed, "complex reality(s)" of individuals that are less
privileged in having access to vital sources of data, information and
explicit knowledge, but, nevertheless, are engaged as part of a
-virtual-- world community under more equal conditions. Just the right
of gaining this opportunity may offer opportunities beyond never before
expectations. My colleagues and I, here in the far south, or as I
recently read, in the 'far occident', are fundamentally concerned with
the magnitude that this new technological paradigm, the virtual
communities of interest and the Internet, are helping shape an array of
common - global - and development opportunities. Obviously this is a
optimistic-to-realist view, and we are quite aware of the "threats" that
also comes along, particularly to the disenfranchised.

I/we see the proliferation of these communities as the seeds for
knowledge innovation, for long lasting human interaction and
understanding, for increasing/sound awareness of the complex realities
of marginalized places/people, or for "meaningful opportunities" as Jim
Cory also suggested. What GDG could be measured in this case, is for its
ability to provide/harness through, but not limited by it, technological
and financial resources, a truly global opportunity to "rescue" a
tradition inherent in all of us, regardless of one's own interest or
motivation -the need to be connected, to be linked to something or
someone, in search for common, clear and useful answers to meet some
very basic needs and aspirations. Here at CERTI Foundation, our
technological concerns and knowledge, place this view at the center of
nearly every issue/decision regarding our aspirations for a Knowledge
society's agenda/initiatives. Part of the success we are seeking to
achieve is based on this inherent need, and the technologies we are
envisioning for our future, for the edification of 'knowledgeable
(Brazilian) communities of interest', are being thought out through
collective and ample -peoples- interests.

My enthusiasm with the success that GDG could bring to the LDCs
community/countries, is with the real opportunity of leading and
embracing the growth of these communities at endless levels and
purposes. I see the technology and the telecommunication investments
behind this effort as essential, but in second instance, even though at
CERTI we recognize that it unquestionably help accelerate the process of
overcoming the current barriers of the digital gap. But again, not
limited to these -technology push components either. Far more important
in this case, I believe, will be the -funding- priorities and policies
that the GDC could "push" in making its agenda and the Portal itself, as
an instrument capable of serving people's needs. In other words, to
enable an average person in a remote community to achieve extraordinary
results. I would like to share with members of this community, this
conviction, as I fell in equal capacity to learn from you and be
influenced by you, as you would be from me and from our shared, endless,
and innovative interests.

While I/we think about our vision of technology innovation for societal
needs, we can not escape from the reality and the fact that we (our work
here) are still a very small spectator before the immense universal
knowledge being "distributed" through this virtual environment, nor are
we able to be in a privileged position to influence a broader agenda
(as will be the case for GDG) for harnessing a genuine
--development/knowledge--Gateway. Yet, each and every time we share our
experiences/knowledge within our own community and outside of it
(through the Net) we are constantly surprised by what we learn and the
magnitude of collaborative effort currently underway. As challenging as
the task of help shaping our governments/societies to seriously invest
on opportunities for building communities of knowledgeable,
well-informed citizens, we trust that WB GDG, for its exceptional
favorable position, can provide not only leadership, but lasting
opportunities beyond country's national agendas, access to connectivity
and useful content.

Thank you,
PAULO C. G. DE MIRANDA
International Liaison
Leader, Knowledge Society Project
CERTI Foundation,
FlorianÛpolis, SC - Brazil
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]



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