campaigns

11.09.2003 The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is inviting contributions of ideas of where it should direct its research programme. DFID will produce a new research strategy by the end of the year, based on the 2002 research policy study, which will identify new research priorities. For submission criteria or more information see the DFID Website or email Gareth Rannamets at g-rannamets@dfid.gov.uk. Deadline for submissions: 30 September 2003.

08.09.2003 SANGONeT is organising its next Thetha (ICT discussion forums) on the theme of "Free and Open Source Software: Benefits & Challenges to Civil Society". Speakers will introduce the concept of free and open source software (OSS), discuss its relevance to civil society, and explore business and government positions on the issue. A practical demonstration of OSS will also be held.

08.09.2003 The Asia Pacific Regional Technology Centre is organising a distance learning course to improve “digital literacy” of agricultural professionals. Designed to teach the professionals in the Asia Pacific how to take advantage of resources available through the Internet, it will be offered between September 15 and October 24, 2003. Scholarships are also available.

04.09.2003 The proposal for a European Community Directive on patents, including software patents, has instigated an online campaign for a Software Patent Free Europe. The worry amongst the Open Source community is that the directive will seriously affect how Open Source software is created, licensed and used. You can read up more on the issues and sign the online petition to the European Parliament.

01.09.2003 Submissions for the Global Junior Challenge 2004 are now being accepted. This year the award has introduced a new category: Women and equal opportunities. The other two main topics are: "The fight against the digital divide" and "The innovative use of new technologies in education and training of youngsters". Submit your project directly online at the Website or by e-mail at projects@gjc.it. Deadline for submissions: 31 March 2004.

28.08.2003 Are you under 30? Do you run a project or company using information and communications technologies for development? The inaugural Global Knowledge Partnership Youth Award aims to reward and bring international recognition to the outstanding work of young people who have used ICT for the promotion of development around the world. Deadline for applications: 31 August 2003

28.08.2003 A new discussion forum has been launched on TechSoup to discuss the subject of ICT and gender. The forum is being hosted by Jayne Cravens of UN Volunteers and Latifat Kadir, an online volunteer living in Nigeria.

28.08.2003 A forum is being organised on the eve of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva in December 2003 to discuss the role of science in the information society. The organisers are currently seeking proposals for exhibits to be displayed during the summit week. Deadline for sending proposals: 30 September 2003.

25.08.2003 Can ICTs make a difference to development and education? Are they a wise investment? Are they integrated into the education system or simply added extras? Do ICTs actually bridge gaps or are they creating new ones? These and other related issues are now being discussed in the LearningChannel.org’s discussion forum on Education for Youth and Employment.

25.08.2003 The WSIS Gender Caucus is organising an orientation session, a one-day event to be held on 13 September 2003, in Geneva, Switzerland. Open to women and men who work on advocacy issues for social justice and change in international organisations, governments, academia and CSOs, it will focus on building teamwork across diverse networks of gender advocates.