U.N.'s on the Internet in the developing world

June 20, 2000
Web posted at: 5:00 p.m. EDT

(CNN) - In March 1999, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) opened three technology access community centers in Sharkeya, Egypt. The centers provide the populace with access to the Internet and training in the use of information technology, creating new opportunities for employment by linking communities to the global economy. This IT project was the first in a series to be developed by UNDP in Egypt and other underdeveloped countries.

Mona Afifi is a policy specialist at the Information Technologies for Development Programme at UNDP. One program she initiated is this pilot project for community centers in rural Egypt. Ms. Afifi has 12 years experience in information management with strong knowledge of information and communication technologies and their relationship to development at the international level.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us today, Mona Afifi, and welcome.

Mona Afifi: Hello and welcome to a virtual discussion with a representative from the United Nations Development Programme.

Question from Candyce-CNN: Ms. Afifi, how is Internet technology improving lives in rural Egypt communities?

Mona Afifi: The Internet has turned the tables on the Sphinx. In most areas, poor people don't even have phones to get answers. Now the Egyptian government, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has set up Internet centers to put people in touch with each other and with the information they need.

Located some 100 kilometers north of Cairo, Zagazig is an historical city with export-oriented textile and carpet industries. Its population of over four million boasts a university and many schools. But poverty stalks society; about 119,000 of the city graduates are unemployed and literacy, especially among women, remains a serious problem.

With support from UNDP, the government has built three community centers equipped with several computers and Internet access. People who are educated but have no work can now get training that will enhance their chances in the job market. Plus women and men entrepreneurs can sell their carpets and other products online in a happy marriage of traditional and modern skills.

And that's not all the Internet is bringing to Zagazig. Families can now get information about what to do when their children get sick. The Internet suddenly became a part of everyday life.

Question from Unpartner: What relation will the U.N. have with the private sector in delivering information technology solutions in development projects?

Mona Afifi: The U.N. could forward a compelling case for both public and private partnerships in these areas, for reasons of skill and knowledge, pooling of resources, etc. and could call for the conduct of large scale projects which are using available pilot projects experience.

Question from MaryGNY: How is the Internet connection affecting such ideas as women's rights, birth control and racial tolerance in these areas?

Mona Afifi: First, by providing access to human rights resources to provide a platform for communications for self help. And solidarity groups can be used to raise awareness and do global advocacy work. For illiterate women across the world, the Internet is a tool where iconographic touch screens, as well as audio media, will allow women to leapfrog and actively be part of this digital revolution. With regard to reproductive health, the Internet provides access to educational material, such as on HIV/AIDS, etc.

Question from CharliGirl-CNN: Can you tell us what steps are taken to get these villages connected? How difficult is it?

Mona Afifi: We agree that there is a digital divide and I would like just to share with you some salient features of the new economy. In January 1999, there were 153.2 million people online. Of these, for example, 1.14 million were Africans. Globally the IT (information technology) sector is expanding at twice the rate of the world economy.

Steps to be taken for easier access: First, innovative approaches through establishing partnerships with public, private sector and civil society; awareness and advocacy on the connectivity through the provision of hardware and software; and specifically, the satellite revolution holds considerable promise. Capacity building is a necessity and universal access through the establishment of community centers.

Creativity is needed where software and hardware can in the future cater to a diverse linguistic global community. In other words, content creation and cultural diversity. At present, English dominates not only the Internet, but also the CD-ROM and video content on the market.

Question from Ekim: How will IT enhance world food distribution for the hungry?

Mona Afifi: More access to information mobilizes knowledge and capital. IT is an excellent tool that makes distance, time and space a thing of the past. Rapid response to famines will be easier.

Question from Chesney: Are there public schools in Egypt with Internet access?

Mona Afifi: The government of Egypt has put in place a strategy and a plan to connect all public schools in Egypt in the next five years. At the moment, 100 schools have benefited from this connectivity and access.

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Chat Moderator: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Mona Afifi: On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, I would like to invite our guests to continue this discussion directly with me at the e-mail address: mona.afifi@undp.org. We want to bring forward innovative and creative ideas on how we collectively in the international community, as well as the private and public sector, can embrace the rapid and positive development of our era.

Thank you.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us today.