Mainstreaming ICTs
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) commit the international community to an expanded vision of development, one that vigorously promotes sustainable social and economic progress in all countries by creating global partnerships for development.
In the light of the UN's emphasis on the MDGs, a question that is often asked is, ‘What can ICTs do to achieve the MDGs?’ Our view is that the intensity and magnitude of poverty in areas such as South Asia and Africa warrant the widespread and innovative application of ICTs in ongoing development interventions. Why mainstream ICTs? There are four immediate and important reasons for mainstreaming ICTs in development projects. These have their basis in
This is not to claim that mainstreaming ICTs in development projects implies a blanket application of ICTs. It simply indicates the need to take cognisance of ICT-related opportunities to increase the effectiveness of development programs. ICTs are not the panacea to developmental concerns, but are becoming increasingly essential for arriving at feasible solutions. Proponents of mainstreaming ICTs believe that ignoring the potential of ICTs could result in sub-optimal decisions. It is however also recognised that new technologies have to go through an initial period of widely varying notions about their potential, followed by a period of more balanced assessments of what these technologies can or cannot do. Purpose The basic aim of OWSA's bi-monthly publication Mainstreaming ICTs is to create a platform for critical debate on the role, scope and experience of mainstreaming ICTs in development interventions. It also seeks to address the concerns of policy-makers, government and non-government agencies and donors who are sceptical of ICTs as tools for enhancing human development. Content The magazine focusses on feature articles, project reports (including research documentation), views, interviews, events, statistics, etc a particular theme related to MDGs. Target Audience This publication is aimed at policy makers in public and private organisations. It is also targetted at academic, civil society, research and development organisations, UN agencies, donors and the corporate sector. Geographical Focus The primary focus of Mainstreaming ICTs is on the countries of South Asia. However, it also encourages the sharing of experiences of other developing countries of the world. Periodicity This publication is bi-monthly. The first issue was published in the month of September-October 2004 on the theme of Food Security and Hunger. The November-December 2004 and January-February 2005 issues were focused on the themes Primary Education and HIV/AIDS respectively. Editorial Calendar Theme: Food Security and Hunger Article submission: Sept-Oct., 2004 Month: published Theme: Primary and Girl education Article submission: Nov-Dec., 2004 Month: published Theme: HIV/Aids Article submission: Jan. 15, 2005 Month: Jan-Feb. 2005 Month: published Theme: Rural Livelihoods Article submission: April 21, 2005 Month: March-April 2005 Theme: Gender and Development Article submission: May 21, 2005 Month: May-June 2005 Theme: Disaster Management Article submission: June 21, 2005 Month: July-August 2005 Contact Address Editor-in-Chief OneWorld South Asia C-5, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi-110016 Phone: 91-11-51789000 Fax: 91-11-51689001 URL: http://southasia.oneworld.net Email: basheerhamad.shadrach@oneworld.net |
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