A Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development, to be held on 24-26 September at the Geneva International Conference Centre, will bring together young people, policymakers, thought leaders, representatives from the private sector and civil society and others. The theme is Youth and ICT as Agents for Change.
Around 400 to 600 young people, as well as ICT for development policymakers and practitioners from all sectors and regions are expected to participate. The Forum is organized by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with other major United Nations organizations (ILO, UNESCO, UNFPA, UN-Habitat, WHO) and civil society organizations (CONGO, WFUNA, ICCC, ATHGO, TakingItGlobal, UEF and EDC, among others).
At a Marketplace, they will showcase, discuss and promote their innovations, projects and initiatives, with the aim of raising awareness, sharing experiences, networking, acquiring new partners and finding sponsors.
The Marketplace will also feature presentations of projects, initiatives or case studies, slide shows, mini-documentaries, briefing sessions and demonstrations of innovative application of technology. Participants will be able to set up exhibits, display posters and distribute printed materials and brochures.
Call for Applications
Due to limited time and space for presentations and exhibits, interested participants must apply to the Global Alliance for ICT and Development by 30 June 2007, through the form available at http://www.un-gaid.org/gfyouth.
Applications will be reviewed by the Alliance secretariat, which will evaluate them against a set of criteria (see http://www.un-gaid.org/en/node/655) and allocate slots in the Marketplace based on space and time availability. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of July. Individuals and organizations selected to participate will be required to explore sources for their own funding.
For those unable to attend the Geneva Global Forum, an e-Marketplace will enable individuals and groups to showcase their initiatives, share experiences, promote their ideas and link up with potential partners, sponsors and networks.
In addition to the Marketplace, interested individuals and organizations can contribute to the event in other ways. All Forum participants are welcome to submit background documentation on the Forum theme, or one or more of its sub-themes see draft programme at http://www.un-gaid.org/en/node/655.
Others may wish to participate in the online discussions that will precede the meeting.
Contacts:
For information on the Marketplace and e-Marketplace:
gf-marketplace@un-gaid.org For information and submission of background documentation:
dejesus3@un.org For general information on the Forum:
gaid@un-gaid.org To participate in the Forum blog: http://www.un-gaid.org/gfyouth
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