Global Development Commons Forum Readout
November 27, 2007 - National Press Club
The first Global Development Commons (GDC) Forum took place on November 27th at the National Press Club bringing together development specialists and information sharing experts to discuss the concept of the GDC and "next steps".
I. AM PANEL SESSIONS
The morning session featured presentations by Administrator Fore and recognized experts. Mark Fleeton of the Development Gateway Foundation and Helga Leifsdottir of ReliefWeb explored the challenges and successes of building, launching, and maintaining on-line information sharing platforms to inform the Global Development Commons. Corey Griffin of the Microsoft Corporation discussed its partnership with USAID and local communities to teach ICT. He discussed Microsoft's goal to expand internet connectivity to the next five billion people in the "middle to lower ends" of the connectivity pyramid. Mr. Griffin emphasized the need to expand public-private partnerships to realize this initiative. John Steffens of Infopoverty Institute and William Reese of International Youth Foundation described some of the latest trends in bringing development information to youth through social networking. They also advocated working with local partners at the grass roots level. Both were supportive of the GDC. All cautioned about "over reaching", the need for stable funding sources, and argued for some country-specific pilot testing as a way to get started. As a group, the five panels were enthusiastic about future cooperation and partnership with USAID to further the GDC.
II. KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Dr. James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress (LOC), gave the keynote address. Dr. Billington discussed the challenges of information sharing based on the LOC's experience working on the World Digital Library (WDL) initiative with UNESCO. Dr. Billington focused on the "content" of what is being shared and stressed the need to be highly sensitive to each culture. Small country-specific projects have been successful for the LOC and WDL. Dr. Billington was enthusiastic about the ways in which the Library of Congress can be a partner and potential collaborator with USAID on the Global Development Commons.
III. PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS and NEXT STEPS
During breakout sessions, all forum participants formed three discussion groups to dialogue on how to strengthen the GDC. The initial session, "Stocktaking", explored the GDC concept with participants, incorporating their particular expertise, connections, and field-level experience to "build out" the GDC concept. Forum participants emphasized the need to utilize the latest trends in information sharing technologies to advance the GDC and ensure its relevance for citizens of developing countries.
During the second breakout portion participants discussed next steps. The following views reflect the contribution of the expert participants:
- Start with a few countries. Approach connectivity barriers and GDC opportunities by country or by sector.
- The GDC must be demand driven. Assess in-country demand, potential end users, and possible platforms.
- The GDC must be incentivized. Incentives must be provided to secure citizen, country, and partner buy-in.
- The GDC must add value. Assess what tools and partners are already present-do not reinvent websites, platforms, blogs, etc.
- Resolve GDC ownership issues early. Governance should be established outside of USAID. A U.S. Government led GDC will be problematic without a cross-representation of the development community and private sector.
- Don't go it alone. GDC can be achieved only through partnerships with development and information sharing/technology organizations.
- Better define the GDC. USAID has made a good start with the basic concepts and principles, but the concept must be articulated more comprehensively.
For further information concerning the Forum, please see the following:
Please click here to read the transcript and view video of Administrator Fore's Remarks.
Please click below to view excerpts of slides from the Global Development Commons forum presentations:
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