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.
Of the more than 60 initiatives undertaken so far, the "@Campus initiative" currently implemented by Mexico is an e-learning platform for its public service employees worth highlighting. Other E-government projects within and between countries, employing a multifaceted approach that encompasses capacity building, multilateral integration efforts, and the development of government platforms for citizens' access to services and participation are showcasing the benefits to increasing interconnectivity.
Another critical area is represented by those projects that enable the adoption of ICT by the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). These projects are a clear illustration of the viability of joint initiatives with multiple stakeholders from the private sector, but beyond that, the real potential economic impact for Latin American and Caribbean countries lies in job creation and the re-insertion of workers from the informal sector into the formal economy.
Educational initiatives are at the forefront of poverty alleviation actions, and in this area, once again, connectivity plays a multiple role. Free and immediate access to, and circulation of, locally produced content is being enabled through projects such as the Latin American Network of Education Portal. The "Computers for Schools" is another program worth noting; it has so far focussed on training and knowledge transfer and is currently in different stages of planning or implementation in seven Latin American countries.
Key to the success of educational initiatives and others aimed at improving basic public services, such as health, are those projects that would ensure Internet access in remote, un-served and underserved areas of Latin America. Among these, the "Wireless Fidelity" project incorporates the use of wireless technologies to bring together multiple facilities in remote locations, aggregating the benefits, accessibility and reach of separate community-based services. Another project currently underway is "E-Link America", aimed at delivering affordable high-speed Internet connectivity to remote locations.
ICA has also contributed with many multilateral integration initiatives through the creation of online products and databases for the region. From an ICT Project Inventory to a Connectivity Map of the Americas and a database of ICT experts, a wealth of useful information has been made readily available.
It is safe to say that when it comes to connectivity Canada is certainly living up to the commitments made in Quebec. The continuity of these efforts is essential, and to guarantee their success, the ICA mandate should be renewed in accordance with the guidelines contained in the International Policy Statement. The achievements described are the best argument for pursuing this course of action, renewing the funding and the necessary institutional support.
The commitment from all the countries of the Americas should be entrenched in the multilateral goals for the region that will be expressed in the "declaration" and the "action plan" to come out of this year's Summit of the Americas. Through the iterations in the process of drafting the aforementioned documents, Canada has pointed out that some of the principles in the Declaration have cross-cutting implications for the initiatives that will be pursued under the plan of action and deserve to be highlighted. Listed among these is "connectivity as a process and approach rather than a hardware issue."
The declaration's latest draft already includes a paragraph reaffirming how the innovative use of ICT would make the efforts towards improved economic prosperity and social well-being more effective. Let us hope that this will translate into specific commitments in the action plan and that the Canadian government ensures that our country continues to play the leading role in the hemisphere on this key issue.
Autor: Vladimir Torre
Quelle: Embassy, 03.08.2005
