United Nations University Events at WSIS (continued)

In addition to a speech during the opening plenary, UNU organised two side events at the Summit.

"The Future of E-Learning" presented UNU's online learning initiative - the Global Virtual University (GVU). The GVU is an online network university whose mission is to provide education for sustainable development. The University was officially launched in September 2002 during the World Sumit on Sustainable Development in South Africa. The first group of students is taking courses related to environment issues. The core partners in the GVU are two Norwegian universities: UNUP/GRID-Arendal and Agder University College and UNU in Tokyo, but a growing number of institutions and universities have expressed interest in joined the initiative.

Introducing the experiences of the GVU so far and chairing the session was the director of UNU Global Virtual University, (UNEP Grid Arendal Deputy Director), Harald Holt. The fact that GVU targets mostly developing countries raises particular challenges for students, particularly in Africa, who have at best, unreliable and expensive internet access. Other speakers on the panel presented recent developments in relation to online learning and concrete experience from projects in Africa and Asia/Pacific.

Prof. Kimio Uno of Keio University (UNU visiting professor) introduced the Asia Pacific Initiative as an Open Content project designed to promote field based collaboration in the region. A presentation by Mr. Toshihiko Yamato, Director of the Alliance and Technology Group of CISCO Japan addressed the current state and future developments of CISCO's e-learning activities. Also explored was the use of digital asset management systems and satellite technology as a means to enhance collaboration particular in the less well-connected part of the world.

Gillian Martin Mehers, head of capacity development at LEAD International, discussed the organisation's approach to communication and learning and the use of information technologies based on 10 years of implementing major capacity development programmes in different countries. Particularly relevant was LEAD's growing focus on developing additional support materials, for instance CD-ROMS to supplement learning resources of fellows in countries with poor internet access. Brendan Barrett of the UN University presented experiences in online environmental monitoring the key issues and explored future challenges in relation to content and technology development.

The discussions focused on possible future directions for a new model of online learning that links field based studies, scientific research and capacity development. For more information, contact Brendan Barrett (barrett@hq.unu.edu).

A second UNU event titled "Sustainablility in the Information Society" focused on the impacts of making and using ICT equipment, the benefits and impacts of ICT applications for the environment, the global e-waste problem and societal response to ICTs and the environment. For more information on this event please visit www.it-environment.org , or contact Eric Williams, UNU Researcher (Williams@hq.unu.edu).

UNU-INTECH highlighted its on going ICT research programme at the Summit by distributing the latest Technology Policy Brief, focusing on ICT and innovation. For more information on UNU-INTECH work on the use of ICTs by small and medium enterprises in developing countries please contact Dr. Kaushalesh Lal (lal@intech.unu.edu).

Visitors at the United Nations University Press stand during the Summit