Diplo is happy to announce its two forthcoming training workshops in Internet Governance and ICT Policy within its ACP project.

The one particularly targeting officials and professionals from Pacific states will take place in Suva, Fiji, on 1 and 2 September 2010.                                                                                                                                                                                  
Deadline for applications is 10 August 2010.

For details and to apply, please take a look at the announcement below.
For more info, check at: www.diplomacy.edu/acp

COMNET Foundation for ICT Development works to help Commonwealth countries realise the potential of ICT in their administrations, economies and education systems. We do this by connecting people engaged in ICT within national administrations, promoting knowledge transfer, running Commonwealth-wide projects and training workshops, and by providing expertise

Purpose

This internship will provide the successful applicant with a good working knowledge of the day-to-day activities of a not-for-profit organization and in this case a deep insight into ICT for Development.  The experience will give broad exposure to project development and operations.   

This is a 6 month paid internship which may offer longer term prospects in project development.

Key Skills

We are looking for a highly articulate, web-savvy graduate with a keen interest in International Relations, Development Studies and ICT policy most especially related to Internet Governance Issues.   

Terms of Reference

The role will include project research, coordination and support for new and ongoing projects which are undertaken by COMNET, this will involve:-

·         Project Coordination and Management of data collection for Commonwealth Connects Projects.

·         Assisting in the research, preparation of proposals/presentations.

·         Assisting in design, development and maintenance of website content for COMNET and project sites.

·         Assisting in the production of communication materials, including updating and maintaining of websites.

·         Participation in and organization of events as appropriate in Malta and internationally.

·         Assisting in the preparation of proposals and sourcing project funding

·         Other project roles or assistance to be defined

To apply

Please send a detailed resume along with a letter of intent outlining your interest and motivation for this internship and your long term goals to:

The Internship Administrator – info@comnet.org.mt

Application deadline is 7th July.

Note: Overseas applicants must have the necessary permits to live and work in Malta, no additional honoraria to cover travel and accommodation is available. 

Legal and regulatory infrastructures are recognised as a crucial component and enabler in the adoption of ICTs for Development. A plethora of issues needs to be addressed by both developing and developed countries, spanning areas such as the commercial environment, data-protection and freedom of information, regulation of the telecommunications sector and competition law and, not least, governance of the Internet.

Hosted by the Government of South Africa through the Department of Science and Technology and Supported by the European Commission, IST-Africa 2010 is the fifth in an Annual Conference Series which brings together senior representatives from leading commercial, government & research organisations across Africa and from Europe, to bridge the Digital Divide by sharing knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and good practice and discussing policy related issues.

World wakes up to digital divide
By Jane Wakefield
Technology reporter, BBC News

Some of the world's poorest nations are getting to grips with technology

The digital divide, like many other economic or social problems, is a global issue.

From the most switched on countries such as Sweden to the poorest nations in Africa there is a widening gap between those with access to technology and those without.

The gap between countries on the same continent is also getting wider.

According to figures from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Sweden has a mere 12% of its population offline compared to 56.5% in Greece

Graph showing most and least connected nations

The scale of a country's digital divide reflects the condition of its economy, says ITU analyst Vanessa Gray.

Read More

Work has begun on building a network of nominated national ICT representatives from each Commonwealth country. A series of meetings for Commonwealth ‘Connects Champions’ will be held over the coming months, promoting collaboration and to share resources and expertise in working towards bridging the Digital Divide.