UN-GAID is an initiative approved by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006. It was launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after comprehensive worldwide consultations with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical and Internet communities and academia. GAID is founded by the UN to 'develop a network of networks' on a global scale that draws in all relevant stakeholders from the public, private and not for profit sector. Its goal is to work towards an 'open and prosperous information society' and to stimulate 'the use of ICT as a tool for advancing development' by further transforming the spirit and vision of the World Summit on The Information Society (WSIS). The Alliance will provide multi-stakeholder input to intergovernmental bodies, including Economic and Social Council and the Commission for Science and Technology for Development via its communities of expertise amongst others.

Ms. Akinsanmi has been involved in the Information Society and the two phases of the WSIS since 2001 taking a leading role in implementation and leadership of Youth engagement with the process. In October 2006, the UN-GAID steering Committee (SC) met for the first time after its Global Meeting in Kuala Lumpur to finalise and build on agreements reached at the KL Meeting towards the UN-GAID work in 2007. The next meeting of the SC is scheduled for February 26 - 28th at the Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, California hosted by Intel. The core focus would be on the next Global Forum in May which is set to focus on Youth.

Ms. Akinsanmi's presence on the UN-GAID SC boosts the profile of the GTP and of its strategic partner IICD, as well as bringing the project and its successes to the direct attention of the policy makers, donors and government people who are usually the people at these committees.

For more information on the Global Alliance for ICT and development, visit www.un-gaid.org

Titi Akinsanmi - young women in the center - amidst the members of the UN-GAID Steering Committee