Source: Science and Arts Foundation Newsletter No.
59
Global
Knowledge Partnership (GKP) is the world's first multi-stakeholder
network promoting innovation and advancement in Knowledge and Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) for Development. GKP brings together Public
Sector, Private Sector and Civil Society organisations with the goal of
Sharing Knowledge and Building Partnerships in
Knowledge and ICT for Development.
GKP's vision is: A world of equal
opportunities for all people to have access to and use knowledge and information
to improve their lives.
GKP's mission is: As an evolving network of
commercial, public and civil society organisations, GKP shares knowledge and
builds partnerships to realise the transformative potential of knowledge,
communication and information technologies to improve lives, reduce poverty and
empower people.
GKP has started its job in 1997. It is 10 years old
and the network comprises over 100 members spanning 40 countries. GKP is a
network for "Doers". Over the past 10 years, GKP has witnessed
the growing importance of sharing knowledge and building partnerships to prepare
a better future.
Science And Arts Foundation as one of active members
of GKP in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) participated in the Global
Knowledge Conference through 11th-13th December 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The GKP methods for addressing the challenges might change but cooperation among
multiple stakeholders will remain crucial.
The cooperation between SDC (Swiss Agency for
Development and Cooperation) and SAF on Bam ICT Center Building is a successful
partnership model. In 2003 after Bam disaster, SDC supported SAF for building
the Bam ICT center. Through the GKP Network, SAF representative started to
negotiate with SDC and when SDC came to Bam for more support, we built the
partnership on Bam ICT center project.
SAF went to 3rd global knowledge conference to share
its knowledge, to build new partnership at GKP network and also to say great
thanks to SDC and GKP for their support. In Appreciation for vision and
commitment to development, SAF dedicated a plate to Mr. Ambassador Walter Fust,
the GKP and SDC chairman.
Here is some parts of Mr. Walter's speech at closing
plenary on 13th December 2007:
"Youth have showed us that investing in them
leads to great return on investment. What they need is proper skills, access
to networks, dedicated mentors and financial resources. We have to increase
our efforts to provide young people with opportunities. They simply deserve
it, they are out future.
ICTs are central not only in early age education but also for lifelong
learning. Women in particular must benefit from these opportunities. They
must be given the same opportunities to successfully complete in the labor
market or to become leaders of our businesses and enterprises.
ICTs not only reduce transaction costs for doing business and provide new
business services; they bring together partners at local, regional and
global levels and create new markets. Governance systems can be put in place
thanks to ICTs for sound policies leading to growth and the creation of new
markets.
There is a need to address the dangers of misuse of ICTs as well as to solve
the issues of cyber waste. Cyber security and cybercrime are themes that
deserve special attention.
ICTs offer further growing opportunities for innovation, not the least
because they facilitate peer to peer knowledge sharing and collaboration.
EDUCATION is more important than ever and ICTs can make a difference in
terms of quality, quantity and availability.
GKP continues to implement the strategy of sharing knowledge and building
partnerships and advocate how best to connect people and promote affordable
access."
From left to right: Dr.Yahya Tabesh(SAF Board Member),
Mr. Walter Fust (the GKP and SDC Chairman),
Mr. Alireza Masrour( Managing Director of SAF)
Source of the news and photo: GKP conference closing
ceremony and GKP website
Science and Arts Foundation
http://www.science-arts.org
http://www.saf.ir
... Payvand News - 04/02/08 ... --
