Hello Bill and All: Very interesting post and pointers; many thanks, and a comment.
Divides in what are denominated "developed countries" really do exist, and another one is along the age line. We live in a remarkable time when digital communications came to the fore but large parts of the population may be thinking it is just barely too late to be on board. I believe we can connect the dots here too, between the young and the older, and bring everyone in. It would be very good to explore this sort of connectivity with you. :) LindaMF, oldster, ArpaNet forward. For Identification here: *Respectful Interfaces* Programme / Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations. ACM ABA. International Disability Caucus for the Disability Convention (toward Treaty).. ------------ Linda D. Misek-Falkoff, Ph.D., J.D.. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill McIver" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Digital Divide Network discussion group" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 1:05 PM Subject: [DDN] Bridging The Digital Divide In The Americas - Canada's Quebec City commitment worth renewing All, I just came across this article from another list. WJM ---- Bridging The Digital Divide In The Americas - Canada's Quebec City commitment worth renewing When discussing the many inequalities of our hemisphere, one recurrent issue is the so-called digital divide. This divide exists not only along the traditional lines of north/south disparities (developed versus developing countries) but also within countries when comparing urban and rural areas and particularly the social structure of wealthy minorities and poverty-stricken majorities. In the context of the knowledge economy, the new technologies play a double role; on one hand, in enhancing the gap between those that have the access and those that do not by virtue of magnifying the differences in education, capacities, infrastructure and resources; and on the other, in providing unprecedented opportunities for bridging the divide thanks to the potential multiplying effects on democratic development, job creation, education, and access to services that the digital era brings. The key issue then is how to develop and implement the projects and programs that would realise that potential. As with many of the other developmental issues in our continent, political will and the government's commitment to a shared agenda is just the first step. At the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in 2001, the Heads of State unveiled the Connectivity in the Americas initiative. Two documents addressing this issue came out of the Summit. The first statement, "Connecting the Americas" committed the signatories to move towards expanding access to global knowledge and full integration into the knowledge society, particularly in developing countries, smaller economies, and among rural and disadvantaged groups. This was to be conducted in keeping with the common goals of sustainable economic growth and social development, and particularly the overarching objective of poverty reduction. The second document contained the specific Canadian contribution to this issue in the Quebec City Summit: to create the Institute for Connectivity in the Americas (ICA) building on the success and experience of the Connecting Canadians strategy and Canada's international development and information and communications technology (ICT) programs. The document describes the mandate of the ICA, its structure, priority themes and programs, and guidelines. The next Summit of the Americas is fast approaching, and with the issue of connectivity so intrinsically linked to its main theme "Creating Jobs to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democratic Governance", ICA has the opportunity to showcase the work it has carried out since it became operational in 2002 and have its mandate renewed. While competing for attention among so many pressing issues, connectivity has a direct impact across the board above and beyond traditional infrastructure matters. This overarching and multiplying effect can be demonstrated by some of the projects already in place. Source: (http://www.embassymag.ca/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=/2005/augus t/3/digital/) -- Bill McIver e-Government / e-Citizen Group National Research Council Canada Institute for Information Technology e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://iit-iti.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/r-d/e-government-gouvernement-e_e.html http://iit-iti.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/r-d/e-government-gouvernement-e_f.html _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message. _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
