The Development Gateway Foundation is calling
for nominations for its US$100,000 prize for outstanding achievement in
the use of information and communication technologies to improve lives
in developing countries. Sponsored in part by Intel Corporation, this
year's Development Gateway Award is focusing on initiatives that empower
or improve the conditions of youth.
The award will be launched here today at the United Nations' World Urban
Forum III, at a special reception for youth participants following the
close of this weekend's World Youth Forum. Both events have gathered people
from around the world to focus on critical development issues.
Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply for the award.
Applicants must demonstrate that their initiatives are successful, sustainable
and replicable. The initiatives must also show significant impact on youth
in areas that are important to social and economic development, such as
employment, education, health or agriculture.
"Better access to basic information or services through technology
can change the life of a poor person," said Mark Fleeton, Chief Executive
Officer, Development Gateway Foundation. "As first adopters of new
technologies, young people in urban areas can often benefit most quickly.
As entrepreneurs, they are also critical to spreading the benefits across
their communities and to the rest of the world."
In 2005 the award was presented to the ITC eChoupal program in India for
its overall contribution to development. eChoupal has helped increase
the incomes and productivity of millions of farmers by giving them more
direct access to markets, as well as pricing and product information,
via village-based Internet kiosks. eChoupal is now expanding its service
to include education. For full award criteria and to access an online
application, please go to www.developmentgateway.org/award.
The application deadline is August 11.
The Development Gateway Foundation puts the Internet to work for the benefit
of people in developing countries. We provide web-based solutions for
effective aid and e-government - increasing access to critical information,
building local capacity and bringing partners together for positive change.
The Development Gateway is a non-profit organization with activities around
the world. For more information go to www.developmentgateway.org.
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