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Re: [kictanet] BPO STUDY
by saidimu apale 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

Are you launching the findings of the report, or a separate workshop on the report? Somewhat confused, Saidi On Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 12:31 PM, Evelyne Majale <evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke>wrote: > The University of Nairobi with support from the Canadian International > Development Research Center (IDRC) will be conducting research in the > business process outsourcing (BPO) sub-sector in pioneer, emerging and > mature markets in order to provide evidence and a deeper understanding of > the imperatives for success in this industry to better inform Kenya's policy > decisions and investment choices. > > > > *A launch workshop is scheduled to take place on 12th September 2008, > tentative venue: KICC, from 8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.* > > > > Those interested to attend, please send your confirmations to me off the > list. > > > > > > Evelyne > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: saidimu(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/saidimu%40gmail.com > >

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BPO STUDY
by Evelyne Majale 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

The University of Nairobi with support from the Canadian International Development Research Center (IDRC) will be conducting research in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sub-sector in pioneer, emerging and mature markets in order to provide evidence and a deeper understanding of the imperatives for success in this industry to better inform Kenya's policy decisions and investment choices. A launch workshop is scheduled to take place on 12th September 2008, tentative venue: KICC, from 8.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Those interested to attend, please send your confirmations to me off the list. Evelyne

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FW: [AfrICANN-discuss] contributions to IGF/Contributions au FGI]
by alice 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

// *From:* africann-bounces(a)afrinic.net [mailto:africann-bounces@afrinic.net] *On Behalf Of *Ken Lohento *Sent:* Tuesday, September 02, 2008 4:14 AM *To:* africann(a)afrinic.net; Discussion List on African Internet Governance Forum *Subject:* [AfrICANN-discuss] contributions to IGF/Contributions au FGI Dear all: The deadline to send comments on the draft programme of the Internet Governance Forum annual meeting in India is 12 September. As the following annual IGF meeting will take place in Egypt in 2009, contributing and getting more and more involved will help us better benefit from the process and strengthen IG in Africa. Contributions should be sent to igf(a)unog.ch <mailto:igf@unog.ch>. See attached the draft programme (including comments from some stakeholders). - IGF secretariat website : http://www.intgovforum.org/ --- Chers tous Comme vous le savez la réunion annuelle du Forum sur la Gouvernance de l'Internet aura lieu début décembre en Inde. Un programme provisoire avait été élaboré, les commentaires des acteurs sont attendus avant sa finalisation. Je voudrais par ce message vous rappeler que le dernier délai pour les envoyer c'est le 12 septembre prochain - commentaires à envoyer à igf(a)unog.ch <mailto:igf@unog.ch>. Puisque l'Afrique hébergera la réunion de 2009, il est utile que nous renforcions dès maintenant notre participation, nos contributions, ce qui nous donnera l'occasion de mieux tirer profit du processus et renforcer la gouvernance de l'internet sur le continent. Voir le programme provisoire (intégrant quelques commentaires d'acteurs) attaché à ce message. Site web du secrétariat du FGI http://www.intgovforum.org/ Cordialement -- Ken Lohento ICT Programme Coordinator Panos Institute West Africa www.panos-ao.org <http://www.panos-ao.org> www.cipaco.org <http://www.cipaco.org> www.haayo.org <http://www.haayo.org> Tel : +221 33 849 16 66 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Growing Local Outsourcing (was: Stakeholder Queries)
by Gakuru, Alex 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

Changed thread to inject a little positivity raising young Kenya outsourcing industry:) The ICT Consumers Association of Kenya has long considered nurturing local outsourcing as springboard to high quality international BPO-KPO. Since 2006, we have urged Telcos, and Mobicos to outsource their customer care in order to increase consumer access to their right to know about the products and services the market offers(For example, see innovative consumer lobbyism on my below email and last line on Michael Joseph's reply. Is he still on this list?) Last month New Telkom Kenya announced they had outsourced customer care and today Safaricom just did. (Congratulations to Safaricom and Telkcom for heeding to consumers' call:) Zain, et al? These are positive developments for the consumer, operators, BPOs, and the country. Perhaps we ought to expect more ICT Board facilitative role (rather than "funding") more of such developments? Stakeholders must compete; matching and aligning their commercial interests with market realities, national BPO interests. Regards, AG ---forwarded message--- From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, May 24, 2008 at 4:23 PM To: Michael Joseph <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> Cc: ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Dear Michael Joseph, I write seeking your responses to below questions. This morning I received an SMS from Safaricom that read "You are on TARIFFIC tariff. Safaricom is phasing out Sema, Tariffic & Taifa tariffs. Dial 212 to migrate for FREE to one of our new tariffs." 1. When is the deadline for affected subscribers to comply with sent migration instructions? 2. What migration assistance would your company have in place for subscribers that cannot read (English), for example rural grandparents, the blind, among others? 3. On what tariff will Safaricom assign, or what will happen to subscribers that do not act 4. Would it not have helped consumers more if the SMS had directed where to get more information, such the costs of what are now the available options? 5. Separately but related to (4), above I have received a painful consumer complaint saying their 100/= 'was swallowed' by your network in the cause of tariffs migration(s). 6. Where could I get complete migration costs implications? I am not suggesting it but, perhaps if Safaricom engaged local call centers to call the the affected could save you subscribers or consumers feeling that you, unless advised, forced them into a new tariff of your choice? We welcome distinctive 'offers' from 'tariffs' advertisements easier to discern thus lessens migration difficulties to consumer public. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ---------- From: Michael Joseph <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> Date: Mon, May 26, 2008 at 1:06 PM To: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> In June 2007, Safaricom reviewed its prepaid tariffs downwards and introduced four new tariffs i.e. Saasa, Super Tariffic, Jambo and Super Taifa in a campaign dubbed the new shapes of communication. It was then envisaged that the old tariffs i.e. Sema, Tariffic, and Taifa would be phased out after most of our subscribers had migrated to the new tariffs. Indeed, most did with less than 4% remaining on the old tariffs. On 21st May 2008, Safaricom issued a public notice in one of the local dailies informing subscribers of the intention to phase out the old tariffs and explaining the options available and how to migrate to a new tariff of their choice. The migration was offered free of charge. In the notice it was stated that subscribers who will not have migrated will be moved as follows. Sema and Tariffic Subscriber will be moved to Super Tariffic tariff. The peak rates for Sema and Tariffic are Kshs 25 and 32.50 respectively while for Super Tariffic its Kshs. 20. Further Sema attracts a call set-up fee of Kshs 2.50 which was scrapped under Super Tariffic. Subscribers on Taifa tariff call any local network at one flat rate of Kshs. 28.50 and were to be moved to Super Taifa tariff which cost a flat rate of Kshs 20 to call any local network moving down to Kshs 10 after the second minute. This represents significant cost savings. On Friday 23rd May 2008 a message was sent out to the affected subscribers encouraging them to migrate by dialing 212. The message was sent out in English and Kiswahili depending on the language preference chosen by the subscriber. The 212 interactive voice responses (IVR) method explains to the subscriber the tariff options available to them and how to migrate. As you will note the move is meant to benefit our subscribers while at the same time achieving a simpler and easier to communicate tariff structure. Further, I have noted your suggestions and will consider them in similar initiatives in future Michael CEO Safaricom Limited ----end forward message---- On Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 8:25 AM, David Otwoma <otwomad(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Dear All, > > "Comments from BPO operators and of course other Stakeholders" please. > > Safaricom in Sh1bn customer care plan (see Daily Nation page 28) > > ------------------------------------------------- > > Many companies have been turning to BPOs as the financial benefits of > outsourcing continue to make it compelling, with cost savings and > efficiency improvements being the dominant reasons companies use such > services. However, companies biggest concerns on outsourcing relate to > data security. > > > ----------------------------------------------------- > > The move, seen a precautionary measure in the face of growing > competition, marks a complete turnaround by the mobile provider which > in July last year had sought quotations from local Business Process > Outsourcing (BPO) firms. > > "Outsourcing the customer care function proved to be too expensive for > the kind of quality that we required. We will just have to run the > service in-house," said Safaricom chief executive Michael Joseph. > > > http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/466372/-/jiyt3xz/-/index.html > > > On Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 8:58 PM, Sean Moroney <seanm(a)aitecafrica.com> wrote: >> Dear Liko, >> >> >> >> We would like to invite you to make a presentation at the forthcoming >> Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference, which we will be holding over 4-5 >> November under the auspices of the Ministry of Information & Communications >> and in partnership with the ICT Board. The programme of confirmed >> presentations so far is attached. >> >> >> >> It would be great if you would be willing to share your experience with the >> other participants. >> >> >> >> Yours sincerely, >> >> >> >> Sean Moroney >> >> Chairman >> >> AITEC Africa >> >> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com >> >> UK Tel: +44(0)1480-880774 >> >> UK Fax: +44(0)1480-880765 >> >> UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 >> >> Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 >> >> Mozambique Mobile: +258-82-6181618 >> >> Nigeria Mobile: +234(0)802-0571766 >> >> SA Mobile: +27(0)724-577887 >> >> Skype: seanmoroney >> >> www.aitecafrica.com >> >> Please visit our discussion group on The Banking Technology sector in Africa >> at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africanbankingtech >> >> >> >> >> >> AITEC Africa is the trading name of AITEC Conferences Limited >> UK Company registration number: 4698475 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ________________________________ >> >> From: kictanet-bounces+seanm=aitecafrica.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+seanm=aitecafrica.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On >> Behalf Of Peres Were >> Sent: 01 September 2008 12:23 >> To: seanm(a)aitecafrica.com >> >> Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Stakeholder Queries: >> >> >> >> Liko, >> >> >> >> It would be great to hear from you and others, your insights into sales and >> marketing insights that can benefit the BPO, KPO sector. We can continue the >> discussion off the list. >> >> >> >> Kind regards >> >> >> >> Peres Were >> >> >> >> ________________________________ >> >> From: kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf >> Of Liko Agosta >> Sent: 01 September 2008 10:33 >> To: pwere(a)cascadegl.com >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Stakeholder Queries: >> >> >> >> About ICT Board and all these Boards … >> >> >> >> Do they ever have open sessions where stakeholders can review strategy, >> advice, brainstorm ? >> >> >> >> As CEO of verviant, I have been able to get business … I feel like I have >> insights into the sales and marketing process that can benefit other >> software/ICT providers … >> >> >> >> Thanks >> >> >> >> Liko Agosta, CEO >> >> Verviant Consulting Services. >> >> >> >> www.verviant.com >> >> >> >> Phone : 1-919-341-1820 >> >> Fax : 1-978-268-8403 >> >> >> >> Toll Free: 1-866-551-4935 >> >> >> >> Pager: 9193891551(a)txt.att.net >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> From: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Aug 29, 2008 9:31 AM >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT Board Strategy a Farce >> To: wambuiwakarema(a)yahoo.co.uk >> >> Very strong language - but I think you should relax as your concerns are >> unfounded. >> >> I am at the Strategic retreat. Unfortunately Gilda Odera - Chairperson of >> BPO, who was supposed to be present had to cancel at the last minute. >> >> Brian >> >> On 8/29/08, Wambui Wakarema <wambuiwakarema(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> >> >> >> I have read with surprise the Kictanet mailout from the ICT Board claiming >> they are going for a stakeholders strategy workshop in Naivasha. >> >> Who are these stakeholders? Are there any representing the BPO sector?? I >> ask this because I have contacted the industry association and they dont >> seem >> >> to be in the know either. This is quite bizarre, especially since BPO is a >> key sector of the ICT Board's mandate. >> >> Who are the stakeholders from the other ICT sectors? Shouldnt the Board be >> getting input from key stakeholders at this workshop. >> >> They are wasting government resources going to write strategies and then >> 'presenting' to stakeholders, yet stakeholders should have been involved >> from the word go. >> >> The >> > > > -- > David Otwoma, > Chief Science Secretary, > National Council for Science and Technology, > Utalii House 9th Floor, > Mobile tel: +254 722 141771, > Office tel: +254 (0)20 2346915, > P. O. Box 29899 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya > email: otwomad(a)gmail.com & otwoma(a)ncst.go.ke > www.ncst.go.ke > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lists%40gma… >

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Internet & Campaign - American Style
by Bill Kagai 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/30/121350/137

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Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems?
by Shem Ochuodho 01 Sep '08

01 Sep '08

Bro. Antoine, Great reading back from you. I believe together we can, and shall, overcome. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Fri, 6/27/08, antoine bigirimana <antoine(a)e-tools.com> wrote: From: antoine bigirimana <antoine(a)e-tools.com> Subject: RE: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com, kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com, "'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions'" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Cc: "'New Vision List'" <newvisionkenya(a)yahoogroups.com>, "'Haron Wachira'" <hwachira(a)itakenya.com> Date: Friday, June 27, 2008, 2:57 PM Hello Shem, Thank you very much for mentioning SmartGov ERP developed in Rwanda by E-Tools Rwanda. Hello All, The systems developed for USA , Canada and European Union tend to include many features that are not necessarily relevant for the East African market and they are also very expensive. We believe the most cost effective solution for our developing and poor countries is to use our local talent, supplemented if need be by seasoned international experts: more and more these internationals may even have roots in East Africa . The cost savings are twofold: support is local and easier; our people are cheaper even when they earn top salary in our economies: it is not rare to get a ratio of 1 to 5. The savings could be then used to solve some other urgent problems. E-Tools Rwanda and E-Tools Kenya are designed to create any software solution required in the East African region. antoine From: Shem Ochuodho [mailto:shemochuodho@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:55 AM To: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Cc: New Vision List; Haron Wachira; Antoine BIGIRIMANA-Yahoo Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? Wesley, Actually given the right parameters, even ERP-like software can be locally developed. The two closest examples of ERP-like systems I have come across that were 'locally' developed were: a system by Haron Wachira (he formerly of Diamond Systems - the 1st Kenyan firm to assemble computers) which I remember being used by a major Tea company through its network, among others, and Rwanda 's SmartGov. There is a very thin line between these systems and conventional ERPs. Btw, before I even thought that 'hardware' manufacture/assembly is a pipe-dream for us - until I came across the 'fabless trend' that Nigeria is already pushing. It is truly cutting-edge technology - and 'knowledge work'. For those who might not know, in such a scenario, a country/firm that does not have the technology to 'manufacture' chips/VLSI can still design systems, and then send designs to places like Malaysia for production/manufacture of the chips. The 'intelligence' or brain-work (and hence the money) is not in the manufacture, but in the design, particularly for products whose value is in the uniqueness/complexity, not numbers. In effect, if the environment is right, it is doable. Shem --- On Wed, 6/25/08, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 12:55 PM

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Tech Scene Kenya News Didest
by Rebecca Wanjiku 30 Aug '08

30 Aug '08

KENIC embarks on aggressive .ke marketing campaign Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC), the administrator of .ke top-level domains, has embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign to promote the local domain name. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/29/kenic-embarks-aggressive-ke-… Kenya BPO society lobbies for license fee reductionThe Kenya Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Society has urged the Communication Commission of Kenya to reduce the annual license fee for BPO businesses. The group wants the fee lower from 100,000 Kenyan shillings (US$1,516) to 10,000 shillings in order to attract more investors. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/29/kenya-bpo-society-lobbies-li… Kenya WiMax network gets $3.5M investmentAccessKenya has invested US$3.5 million to build a WiMax network targeting Kenyan homes with an initial deployment of 35 base stations in Nairobi and Mombasa. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/29/kenya-wimax-network-gets-35m… Kenya judiciary embraces IT to tackle corruptionThe Judiciary of Kenya has initiated IT reforms calculated to reduce corruption and improve service delivery. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/29/kenya-judiciary-embraces-it-… Kenya commission failed to use laptops in electionsLow Internet penetration in rural areas, software issues and computer illiteracy have been cited as some of the reasons that the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) could not use laptops during the controversial general elections last year. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/27/kenya-commission-failed-use-… Mi phone finds a home in KenyaIn a market with an ever-increasing appetite for mobile phones, the low-priced Mi phones have found a home in Kenya, with sales of 10,000 units in the past quarter. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/27/mi-phone-finds-a-home-kenya Kenyan techies launch Skunk AwardsKenyan techies have launched the Skunk Awards 2008 to recognize top IT companies and individuals. The awards were created through the skunkworks list serve, a forum where Kenyan techies share ideas and help to sort out IT problems in real time. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/27/kenyan-techies-launch-skunk-… IT industry anchors African sportsOn Aug. 29, the Kenyan Olympic team will receive 14.5 million shillings (US$215,000) from President Mwai Kibaki, and mobile phone operator Safaricom is one of the main sponsors. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/25/it-industry-anchors-african-… Mobile phones help pastoralists fight livestock theftThe mobile phone has revolutionized the way Kenya's pastoral communities work and conduct business, according to Joseph ole Kishau, an elder in the Maasai community. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/26/mobile-phones-help-pastorali… Indian outsourcer launches skills program at Kenya BPOAn Indian call and contact center has launched the LiveBean Scholarship Program for contact center professionals in Kenya. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/25/indian-outsourcer-launches-s… Ndemo: Internet fanned Kenya post-election violencehe Internet played a role in the post-election violence that engulfed Kenya early this year, said Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/08/22/ndemo-internet-fanned-kenya-… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/

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Job Opportunity: Senior Communications Officer
by Catherine Adeya 29 Aug '08

29 Aug '08

Please see attached. Nyaki

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Fwd: ICT Board Strategy a Farce
by Brian Longwe 29 Aug '08

29 Aug '08

FYI Listers ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> Date: Aug 29, 2008 9:31 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT Board Strategy a Farce To: wambuiwakarema(a)yahoo.co.uk Very strong language - but I think you should relax as your concerns are unfounded. I am at the Strategic retreat. Unfortunately Gilda Odera - Chairperson of BPO, who was supposed to be present had to cancel at the last minute. Brian On 8/29/08, Wambui Wakarema <wambuiwakarema(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > > I have read with surprise the Kictanet mailout from the ICT Board claiming they are going for a stakeholders strategy workshop in Naivasha. > > Who are these stakeholders? Are there any representing the BPO sector?? I ask this because I have contacted the industry association and they dont seem > > to be in the know either. This is quite bizarre, especially since BPO is a key sector of the ICT Board's mandate. > > Who are the stakeholders from the other ICT sectors? Shouldnt the Board be getting input from key stakeholders at this workshop. > > They are wasting government resources going to write strategies and then 'presenting' to stakeholders, yet stakeholders should have been involved from the word go. > > The > current management of the ICT Board performance is well under par. Recently I called up their > > offices wanting to engage with the management on a number of issues. Alas! I was informed that they were all on leave at the same time! > > The ICT Board cant seem to function properly due to sheer incompetence. > > Dr Ndemo I want a response from you since the buck stops with you! > > Wakarema > > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail.com > > -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] Global Innovation Forum
by waudo siganga 29 Aug '08

29 Aug '08

This event, to be held in Armenia, could be of interest to some, particularly the youth. Apologies for any possible crossposting. Waudo On Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:26:51 +0400, "UN GAID - Athgo" <yerevan08(a)athgo.or g> said: [cid:image007.png@01C8FF9B.5BF696C0] GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR ICT AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARIAT And THE COMMITTEE OF E-LEADERS FOR YOUTH AND ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Room DC1-1464, One United Nations Plaza, New York, N.Y., 10017 Telephone: (1-212) 963-5796 Fax: (1-917) 367-4340 e-mail: [1]gaid(a)un-gaid.org Website: [2]www.un-gaid.org 15 August 2008 Dear Mr. Waudo Siganga, In September of 2007, the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) hosted its first Youth Forum for ICT & Development in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 600 youth from 30 different countries convened to engage in a worldwide consultation on the use of ICTs to achieve the MDGs. One specific outcome of the forum was establishing a Global Youth Coalition for the UN ICT activities. To this end, in April of 2008, the UNDESA-GAID appointed 12 young persons from around the globe to a Committee of e-Leaders for ICT & Youth, who aim to further build a worldwide network of youth that support the United Nations mission of harnessing technology for development. On behalf of the UNDESA-GAID and the Committee of e-Leaders for ICT & Youth, we ask you to join us in our mission and request your support and for its first main event: the Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development, from 21 to 24 October 2008, in Yerevan, Armenia. We invite you to tap into your extensive youth networks and bring participants to this ground breaking event. The Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development is being jointly organized by GAID, the Committee of e-Leaders, and Athgo International. The forum will bring together young ICT4D practitioners and experts from government, civil society and the private sector to showcase their successful ICT practices in the areas of local content, access and connectivity. A critical theme of the conference will be education for innovation in development with young people themselves displaying educational policy prescriptions as the key example of enhancing innovation for development. The four-day interactive conference will allow ample opportunity for young people to develop substantive policy proposals in collaboration with policy makers and business executives. Each participant will have the opportunity to engage policy makers, experts and his/her peers to draft innovative solutions to ICT development and implementation challenges. On the final day, the young participants will showcase their plans in innovation panels. The proposals will be evaluated by leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society, and will be showcased at the conference closing ceremonies. Mr. Waudo Siganga Chairman The Computer Society of Kenya P.O. Box 70180, 00400 TOM Mboya Street Nairobi, Kenya - 2 - The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his message to the GAID Strategy Council meeting held in Silicon Valley in February 2007, stressed that: "It is important that you work as a true partnership of all essential stakeholders - governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and others. All of you are needed if we are to succeed." Indeed, this is an outstanding opportunity for your organization to demonstrate its interest in ICT for Education and Development work, and showcase success stories that have empowered youth via ICTs. The event will also offer many opportunities for your organization to develop closer cooperation with the global ICT community at large. We warmly welcome your engagement in the upcoming Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development as an active partner. We invite you to reach out to your networks and recruit youth from around the world to attend the Forum. Young people (ages 18-35) are the critical audience of this cutting edge program and we look forward to fostering dialogue and innovation among youth. Participants can register at http://www.un-gaid.org/civicrm/event/register?id=4&reset=1. We also invite you and representatives from your organization to present at one of the many panels and workshops of the conference. At these interactive sessions, presenters will engage the participants to analyze the state of ICT for development in the real developing world and inspire them to innovate solutions to pressing challenges. A brief project document on the Forums objectives, participants, tentative programme structure, expected outcomes, budget estimates and sponsorship opportunities is attached for ease of reference. Please do not hesitate to contact Enrica Murmura of the GAID secretariat at murmura(a)un.org should you need additional information or have questions. On behalf of the youth around the world engaged in ICTs, we thank you for your time and consideration. We hope that you will be an active partner/participant in this first major UN Committee of e-Leaders for ICT & Youth event. Yours sincerely, [cid:image008.jpg@01C8FF9B.5BF696C0] [cid:image009.jpg@01C8FF9B.5BF696C0] Sarbuland Khan Executive Coordinator GAID Armen Orujyan Member GAID Committee of e-Leaders for Youth and ICT References 1. mailto:gaid@un-gaid.org 2. http://www.un-gaid.org/ People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius).

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