The guardian website are hosting a live debate answering questions about how development organizations can make information more accessible to hard to reach third world countries. The debate will take place on Thursday 14th March at 13.00 on the guardian website http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development-professionals-network/2013/mar/11/information-data-access-global-development in the comment section. You can also join in on twitter by tweeting your questions with the hashtag #globaldevlive.
This debate will explore the extent to which information has been developed in these countries and the effect it will have on them. While on the outside it would seem that this development would empower those who can obtain it, but what about those who can’t? Also it seems these projects cannot be implemented without follow up, what benefit would this information have if the countries don’t know how to use it? This debate should answer all these questions and more, aswell as making us aware how much work needs to be done to bring data to these countries.
The panel consists of:
Melody Clark, Communications & Knowledge Sharing Manager,Technology & Social Change Group, Seattle, US. @melodyrclark @taschagroup
Melody formerly researched for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation global libraries initiative. Melody focuses on communications and dissemination, impact measurement and evaluation of public access to information and communication technologies programmes.
Samuel Lee, Open Data Specialist, World Bank, Washington, DC, US. @OpenNotion
Sam works to make financial data about the World Bank’s activities readily available, re-useable, and useful to the public and various stakeholder groups. The Bank’s Open Finances programme leverages an open data website and a suite of mobile applications.
Tony German, Executive Director, Development Initiatives, London, UK. @tonygerman @devinitorg
Tony is well known for his expertise in working with governments, multilateral organisations and NGOs. Tony works to make aid more transparent and accountable, and to empower communities developing countries to access and understand information about aid.
David Banisar, Senior Legal Counsel, Article 19, London, UK. @article19law
David leads Article 19’s efforts on access to information, post 2015 goals, sustainable development and environmental transparency. Article 19 is an NGO that defends the rights for freedom of information and freedom of expression.
Steve Song, Founder, Village Telco, Nova Scotia, Canada. @stevesong @villagetelco
Steve formally worked at the International Development Research Centre, where he led the Information and Communication Technology for Development programme in Africa, which researched impact of information and communication technologies on social and economic development.
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