Universal access, freedom of expression and invoking the accountability of states are not possible without affordable, equitable access to communications infrastructure.
In a world where access and opportunities are unevenly distributed, many information and communication technology (ICT) enthusiasts are developing innovative new solutions to bring people inside the communications revolution, but many of these experiences are yet to be shared.
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC), in partnership with others, is organising a one-day event called Password: EQUITABLE ACCESS to consolidate emerging lessons and knowledge on innovative access solutions to be held on November 10 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Why this event? Access to infrastructure is about the innovative interplay between ICT policy and technology solutions that provide access to the global information and communications infrastructure. Access brings people together to exchange information, promotes new spaces for social inclusion and is fundamental to development processes in any society. However many of these innovative solutions are happening in isolation and APC’s event is offering a unique opportunity to learn from and share with each other.
This event will bring together innovative minds and experience in developing and implementing ICT policy and technology solutions for low-cost access and connectivity.
What will Password: EQUITABLE ACCESS cover? The event will look at innovations, policy advocacy, lessons learned and what worked well for each of the following themes:
* Business models * Policy & regulation * Tools & technologies * People, network, capacitiesSessions will focus on community / national / regional issues and the event will also have hands-on training, demos and displays of innovative technologies.
Is there a link to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)? Access is one of the main themes of the Rio IGF which starts just two days after Password: EQUITABLE ACCESS. Password: EQUITABLE ACCESS will include a session which looks specifically at the relevance of these local access issues to the IGF.
Who should attend? If you are interested in knowing how people have managed to overcome policy, technological, economic and social – including gender – challenges to bringing affordable and accessible communications infrastructure one step closer to the people – then this event is for you.
How can you contribute to Password: EQUITABLE ACCESS? Do you have a story to tell about people who have made differences in promoting equitable access? Do you know of any policy change that has improved access your community or country? Do you know of any innovative technological solutions? Then please get in touch.
For more information contact APC’s networking coordinator Karen Banks karenb [at] gn.apc.org