 Participating Institutions
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Participating Institutions
Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID)
The initiative approved by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006, was launched after comprehensive worldwide consultations with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical and Internet communities and academia. While the 2005 United Nations Summits emphasized the importance of ICT in achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there was a need for a truly global forum that would comprehensively address cross-cutting issues related to ICT in development. Recognizing that no single actor is capable of achieving the MDGs in isolation, the creation of an open and inclusive platform that can broaden the dialogue on innovative ways of harnessing ICT for advancing development is crucial. The Global Alliance is a direct response to this need. With its multi-stakeholder approach, the Alliance reaffirms the belief that a people-centered and knowledge-based information society is essential for achieving better life for all. Web site: http://www.un-gaid.org
Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNDESA)
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol are serviced by a joint Secretariat, consisting of staff of both the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs based in New York, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights n Geneva. Once the Convention enters into force, DESA will service the Conference of States Parties to be convened in New York. In Geneva, OHCHR will service the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In New York, the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is housed in DESA’s Division for Social Policy and Development, which is responsible for activities related to poverty eradication and employment, generational issues and integration, inclusive development, non-governmental organizations, and indigenous issues. The objectives of the Secretariat at DESA are: (i) to support the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development; (ii) to advance the rights and protect the dignity of persons with disabilities and; (iii) to promote equal access to employment, education, information, goods and services. The mandate of the Secretariat at DESA also includes the review and implementation of the Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities adopted in 1994, and the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons adopted in 1982. In addition, the Secretariat prepares publications and acts as a clearinghouse for information on disability issues; promotes national, regional and international programmes and activities; provides support to governments and civil society; and gives substantial support to technical co-operation projects and activities. Web site: http://www.un.org/disabilities
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organization of Parliaments of sovereign States (Article 1 of the Statutes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union). It was established in 1889. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy. The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with it. It also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organizations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which are motivated by the same ideals. Over a hundred-forty national parliaments are currently members of the IPU. Seven regional parliamentary assemblies are Associate Members. Most members are affiliated to one of the six geopolitical groups that are currently active in the IPU. Web site: http://www.ipu.org/english/home.htm
UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization through appropriate training and research. UNITAR is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director. The Institute is supported by voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, and other non governmental sources. Web site: http://www.unitar.org
CIFAL Atlanta
CIFAL Atlanta was inaugurated in September 2004 as a joint initiative between UNITAR and the City of Atlanta, supported by Hemisphere, Inc.(2004-2006), the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Wireless Internet Institute. Created in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations System, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) delivers training and research programs worldwide to the UN and member state officials. UNITAR developed its Decentralized Cooperation Programme with CIFAL Centers to serve government and local authorities, recognizing their critical role in achieving the United Nations Eight Millennium Development Goals for more than 60% of the world population living in urban areas. As of January 2006, 12 CIFAL centers have been established around the world. CIFAL Atlanta specializes in four main areas: Economic Development, Social Development, Information Technology, and Environmental Sustainability. CIFAL Atlanta serves governmemt authorities and civil society leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere. Web site: http://www.cifalatlanta.org
Co-Hosts
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. As the global focal point for governments and the private sector, ITU's role in helping the world communicate spans 3 core sectors: radiocommunication, standardization and development. ITU also organizes TELECOM events and was the lead organizing agency of the World Summit on the Information Society. ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and its membership includes 191 Member States and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates. Web site: http://www.itu.int/net/home/index.aspx
Politecnico di Milano
The Politecnico di Milano is a science and technology university producing engineers, architects and industrial designers through a variety of innovative specializing courses, with great attention being devoted to all sides of education. The Politecnico di Milano has always been based on quality and innovation in teaching and research, resulting in a prolific relationship with the economic and manufacturing worlds through experimental research and the transfer of technology. Today, research is increasingly and more closely connected to teaching and represents a priority commitment which makes it possible for us to attain high level results at international level. Research work goes hand in hand with cooperation and alliances with the industrial system. Knowing the world where one will work is a fundamental requirement of students' training. Being confronted with the needs of manufacturing, industrial and public administration sectors helps research to approach new terrain and to meet the need for constant and rapid innovation. Such an alliance with the industrial sector not only permits the university to continue along its traditional areas but also acts as a stimulus for their development. There are several teaching and research areas in which the Politecnico has distinguished itself in the past, which have fuelled a tradition of excellence that has been progressively updated: developing excellence and at the same time striking alliances with other Italian and foreign universities and research centres makes it possible for the university to fully carry out its teaching function, improving its offer to the students, and to carry out its role of stimulating innovation and therefore Italy's development. This alliance is becoming increasingly important in Europe, where the Politecnico takes part in many research and training projects with the best qualified European universities, as well as expanding to other countries: from North America to South East Asia. In this way, the students of Politecnico di Milano become citizens of the world, offering companies the opportunity to hire skilled people to compete with their colleagues from other nations, while also facilitating international relationships of Italian companies. Web site: http://www.polimi.it
Vice Presidency of Ecuador
Ministry of Social Development of Ecuador
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Ecuador Sin Barreras