Location(s)

United Nations Meets Web 2.0

New Media, New Entrepreneurs and New ICT Opportunities in Emerging Markets

The Global Alliance for ICT and Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA-GAID) organized an event, entitled "United Nations Meets Web 2.0 - New Media, New Entrepreneurs and New ICT Opportunities in Emerging Markets", on 25-26 March 2008, in Conference Room IV of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event was second in a series of intimate, interactive and action-oriented meetings organized by UNDESA-GAID with ICT leaders, who create new and innovative technologies.

In February 2007, the Global Alliance organized "United Nations Meets Silicon Valley" in Santa Clara, California, which explored how the technology industry and business community in Silicon Valley can bolster development. Attended by prominent members of industry, academia, and the venture capital community alongside members of the Strategy Council of the Global Alliance, the meeting discussed challenges and partnerships between the public and private sectors in the area of ICT for development.

"UN Meets Web 2.0" was a follow up to the meeting in Silicon Valley and was held in New York City, a bastion for global finance, and staged at the United Nations, which serves as a gateway to encourage technology and investment to flow into the world's developing communities.

The event consisted of a series of policy dialogues and panel sessions on the first day, showcasing a variety of perspectives on key issues, including the use of technology to drive development; understanding what is in the mind of ICT entrepreneurs; and how the new media and content are shaping the landscapes of business and economics in developing countries. The second day included an Investors Forum, showcasing emerging business and investment opportunities in information and communication technologies in developing nations, including ICT initiatives from countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.

Participants learned how new media and content are shaping the landscapes of business, economics and policy in developing countries; learned about global ICT opportunities; and understood what is in the mind of ICT entrepreneurs and investors. Participants also had an opportunity to watch for the next "mega-venture" to champion doing business with the "Base of the Pyramid." They also heard about financing solutions from a range of well-known investment firms.

The event was attended by representatives of governments, business and industry, academia and professional institutions, non-governmental organizations and media.