IRELAND TO GIVE $5.1 MILLION TO UNITED NATIONS INITIATIVE FOR MODERN TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING WORLD

IRELAND TO GIVE $5.1 MILLION TO UNITED NATIONS INITIATIVE FOR MODERN

TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING WORLD

            UNITED NATIONS, 1 November -- Ireland is to contribute $5.1 million to a Unitedd Nations initiative that aims to connect thousands of schools and villages in the developing world through information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and United Nations Secretary-General
Kofi Annan announced the Irish Ggovernment’s contribution to the United Nations ICT Task Force Global eSchools and Communities Initiative (GeSCI) during Mr. Annan’s recent official visit to Ireland.

With its Dublin-based secretariat, the Initiative was founded in recognition of the vital role that education plays in creating long-term, sustainable development.  The Initiative collaborates with local partners in the developing world to improve education, empower communities and accelerate socio-economic development, while supporting the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through the widespread deployment of information and communication technologies in schools and communities.  The Initiative will operate in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle Eastand has emanated from UN Secretary General Secretary-Gener.

Speaking from Farmleigh HouseSecretary General “If we are to bridge the digital divide, we must match the powerful new tools of development with the people who need them most,”, Mr. Annan said in Dublin.  “The Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative does just that, and has the potential not only to improve education, but also to empower people, strengthen governance, open up new markets and galvanise our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.  I would like to thank the Ggovernment of Ireland for its strong support, as well as the private businesses, local authorities and educational systems, and non-governmental organizations that are also involved”. 

He said he was“I am p pleased that the GeSCI hasd begun to establish close links with the United Nations system, such as by,” Mr. Annan said,“by for example partnering with UNICEFUNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.  I am pleased that the United Nations is doing its part as well, through the contribution of UNICEF, theUnited Nations Children’s Fund.  Thisat innovative partnership couldan help millions of children and young people throughout the developing world to improve their lives.  After all, while education unlocks the door to development, increasingly it is information technologies that can unlock the door to education.”

Prime MinisterMr. Ahern called the Initiative “possible quote, approval required from Department of the Taoiseachan exciting and innovative approach to tackling the enormous education challenges in the developing world”.  The fact that Irelandiwas hosting this initiative highlighted itss our emphasis on the importance of education and information and communications technologiesICTs to underpin national and global socio-economic development.  It will build on our centuries of missionary work, particularly in education, and it will draw on our current success in the ICT sector.  I am He was pleased that, with this contribution, of €4 million, GeSCI wouldill be able to impact communities far beyond the classroom and, through education, provide a crucial and lasting solution to many of the world’s issues.”

GeSCI is an initiative of the United Nations ICT Task Force.  Secretary General Secretary-General Kofi Annan created thise ICT Task Force, set up in November 2001, to inform on how the benefits of such technologies couldICTs can be made accessible and meaningful for all, particularly the poor. The UNICEF is providing vital assistance to GeSCI through its operational support and its guidance and support in programming.

For further information, please see www.gesci.org, or contact Samuel Danofsky, ICT Task Force Secretariat, tTel.:  (917) 367 2424, e-mail: danofsky@un.org..

* *** *