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The Power of ICT in the Developing World

Global Arab Network - - Adam Turner

Sunday, 29 March 2009 14:54

Information and communication technology has the potential to create major changes in developing countries and economies. Access to information, sound communications infrastructure and access to enabling technologies are all areas that can help propel nations forward when employed effectively.

Academics and scholarly practitioners from around the world will be coming to Doha April 17-19, 2009 for the 2009 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD) to discuss the latest research and thinking on the role and impact of ICT in international development.

ictQATAR Secretary General Dr. Hessa Al Jaber is serving as the Honorary Chair for the conference and ictQATAR is participating as an organizing sponsor. "We are seeing the tremendous societal and economic impact ICT can have right here in Qatar. I am excited to welcome the leading scholars in the field of ICT and development to Doha and eager to participate in meaningful discussions on these important issues," said Dr. Hessa.

Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is the keynote speaker for ICTD and will be addressing the nearly 300 expected participants during the conference. Also delivering keynote remarks will be Carlos A. Primo Braga, Director of Economic Policy and Debt at the World Bank. Experts presenting at the conference will represent a variety of sectors, including governments, academia, start-ups, large corporations, inter-government organizations, non-profits and non-governmental organizations.

The conference will be comprised of a numerous presentations of research and papers, along with engaging workshops and panel discussions. Topics covered range from digital literacy for low income workers to ICT in higher education, educational games to e-government projects. Numerous best practice case studies will also be presented.

As part of its participation in the event, ictQATAR will be leading a panel discussion on assistive technologies in developing countries. "Assistive technologies have enjoyed a sustained evolution in developed countries, leading to enhanced accessibility and availability of such technologies benefiting those with disabilities. In developing regions, attempts to replicate assistive technologies programs have met with variable levels of success. In this panel we want to discuss how we can achieve greater success in programs that bring assistive technologies to the developing world," said Dr. Yasir Khan, Clinical Adviser to the e-health program at ictQATAR.

ictQATAR has made assistive technologies a priority for 2009. In December 2008, ictQATAR hosted a forum on assistive technologies to mark the "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" and also upgraded its website to meet international accessibility standards. These are just the beginning of ictQATAR's efforts to help ensure that all people in Qatar are connected to the technologies that enrich their lives.

ICTD is being hosted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar at its campus in Education City. ICTD was previously held in Berkely, California, USA and Bangalore, India.

Global Arab Network

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