North Takes Access to ICT for Granted
Dec 17 2009, Netherlands [NL]
- Source:
- Denise Senmartin [dsenmartin(at)iicd.org]
- Country:
- Netherlands [NL]
- Sector:
IICD’s Denise Senmartin has been chosen as one of just 20 foreigner members to take part in the 70-strong Dutch Third Chamber. The Third Chamber is a shadow parliament in the Netherlands that focuses on international development. The chamber’s 2009-2010 theme is New Technologies for Development. Having grown up in Argentina and experienced economic crises, Denise knows how poverty undermines people’s dignity. She strongly believes ICT can make a difference in developing countries.
How does your perspective differ from Dutch members?
I see how people in the North take access to ICT for granted: email, mobiles, radio, TV. It is hard for some people to imagine how a technology they use every day can be used for other purposes, in development.
How do members view ICT for development (ICT4D)?
Most have no previous experience with ICT in development. Many were surprised to see that ICT4D initiatives from the South surpass countries in the north in terms of innovation on how to use ICT to respond to their most urgent needs.
What is the greatest benefit of ICT in development?
ICTs make development aid more transparent, and makes it possible to harmonise information. I think that is the main opportunity and challenge for those working in development: using ICTs to collaborate, harmonise efforts and make aid more effective.
You’re focussing on energy/climate issues. What’s the connection with ICT?
Means of communication, from radio to mobile phones, need energy solutions. If we are looking into expanding and embedding ICT, energy for the poorest is part of the answer, particularly in rural areas.
Read more in Denise's blog on the Third Chamber.