The seminar’s program is organized around two main concepts. One is that the future of the region is being defined by deployment today of information and communication technology (IT) to achieve simultaneously, efficient, equitable and sustainable development. The other is that new levels of synergy are emerging to ensure that enormous activity already underway involving IT throughout the region contributes to overcoming socioeconomic inequalities and poverty. Two types of interactive sessions are planned. Thematic plenary sessions address major issues and innovative approaches that are evolving to ensure that the emerging knowledge-based economy responds to the values, needs, resources and aspirations in the region. Applications sessions will address the use of information and communication technologies in specific sectoral areas. Leading innovators from public, private and civil society organizations will discuss concrete actions being taking individually and collectively to create the future today.
The objective of the thematic plenary sessions is to focus attention on how the impact of information technology on economic, social and political reforms is increasing as knowledge-based development emerges as a common denominator for achieving simultaneously new levels of efficiency, equity and sustainability in the region.
Three separate plenary sessions will explore how people and organizations are using information and communications technology to reshape the Americas of the twenty-first century. The sessions focus on: the developmental implications of the fair, open and competitive "new" economy for creating and distributing new wealth; preparing a highly-skilled work force and improved quality of life for all by creating human capital through lifelong learning in the knowledge-based economy; and a digital democracy linking public sector modernization with the formulation of policies and regulatory framework to ensure that every one participates in and benefits from knowledge-based development. Featured speakers will describe and discuss practical examples of how public, private and civil society organizations are creating conditions to ensure that innovative approaches to information and communication technology contribute to overcoming poverty and improve the quality of life for all.
Contact: Danilo Piaggesi
DaniloP@iadb.org
