ICT as a force for Development

Information and communications technology has been recognized as a major driver of the globalization process. By making information more accessible and usable and communications faster and more widely available, ICT has reduced the traditional constraints of distance and culture and dissolved many distinctions between national and global economies. Youth, in particular, are the first beneficiaries and users of this tool which offers them unlimited opportunities for creativity and innovation and have an enormous potential to dilute barriers between cultures and societies.

Economically, nations are focusing on building their information and communication infrastructure, policies and strategies and investing in human resources with the goal of furthering both innovation and knowledge within their respective countries. Technology is a major facet of all aspects of the global economy and the demand for related tools and skills will continue to increase especially among youth as the main component of the nascent working force. Thus, ICT has become an enabler of the key industry today -- and arguably an essential component of competing and succeeding in the global economy.

Culturally and socially, it is inevitable that ICT is changing the way people, especially young people think, learn and act.  While technologically the Internet empowers youth with tools for a more efficient means of living, it has culturally created tools for understanding, empathy creation, negotiations, exchange of ideas, interaction and dialogue across geographical and political boundaries.  ICT offers creative and innovative tools to youth, it does not only offer chances for competition, but also for collaboration or “co-petition”, all of which are conducive to a more harmonious and peaceful societies.

Politically, ICT is allowing youth to exchange ideas freely.  It is reintegrating them in the social and political scene in many societies and helps them shape public opinion.  Through on-line dispute resolutions, dialogues and through e-peace content, users of ICT can contribute in influencing the political and social scenes.  ICT has also been recognized as a pre- and post-conflict form of aid, helping societies detect causes and means of conflicts.  ICT is acknowledged as a form of humanitarian relief.  Indeed, "ICT4Peace" is currently recognized as an action line in the UN.                

The Cyber Peace Initiative

The Cyber Peace Initiative was launched by The Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement on September 1st 2007 in Sharm El-Sheikh at the International Youth Forum. It has made significant progress towards its overall objectives, namely to empower the youth of all nations to become catalysts for change through ICT.

Cyber-Peace aims to promote the "Peace Culture“ which is defined by the United Nations as “a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations" (UN Resolutions : Culture of Peace and , Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace).  This aim could be achieved by improving communications across cultural and geographical barriers through content development, platform creativity, by exploring the socio political impact of IT enabled industries, exploring in depth ICT as a channel for economic opportunities and innovation for youth, and by engaging youth in securing the Internet as the medium through which these objectives will be achieved. 

The Initiative rests on capitalizing on the creative spirit of youth to innovate constantly-changing Internet based content and IT platforms that should match the pace of socio-political changes and developments in real life.