ICT Policy Advocacy Workshop British Council, Abuja, NIGERIA. 03 September 2003.

1. Youth & ICTs for Development:Best Practices ‘Gbenga SesanNigeria’s Information Technology Youth Ambassadorwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com ICT Policy Advocacy WorkshopBritish Council, Abuja, NIGERIA. 03 September 2003.

2. OVERVIEW • ICT4D: An introduction* • Youth and ICTs for Development • Case Studies / Scenarios • ITU Africa 2001, Johannesburg • WSIS PrepCom 1, Geneva • Paradigm Initiative Nigeria • Best Practices * With major content from APC/CTO ICT Policy curriculum

3. ICT4D: An introduction • ICTs is the acronym for Information and Communication Technologies • ICT4D is the acronym Information and Communication Technologies for Development • ICTs = the means of generating, processing, transporting and presenting information • “New ICTs” = digital / electronic ICTs • Electrical ICTs – radio, TV, cassette • Print – papers, magazines, letters • Oral / traditional – speech, drama, song …

4. ICT4D: An introduction • New ICTs: • Information Technology • Computers • Data processing / number crunching • Telecommunications • Telephones, fax, satellite,Radio, TV • Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) • Networks • Internet, data, satellite, cell … • Pretty Amazing New Services (PANS) • Convergence of Communications, Computers, Consumer electronics, Content • Convergence at the level of technology – all is in bits (binary digits); industry; policy & regulation; advocacy and Civil Society participation

5. Youth and ICTs for Development • The need to involve youth: Young people are the most dynamic users of new ICTs and can help extend, maintain and improve information and communication flow and efficiency. They also have drive and energy. • The benefits of youth involvement: Drive, energy, flexibility and willingness to contribute their own quota to history-making activities will help enhance ICT4D processes, while encouraging a multi-stakeholder model. Efficiency is maximised. • What happens if young people are not involved: Youth unrest is largely due to lack of involvement or “free time”. Unequipped and uninvolved youth will go on to become the stumbling block in tomorrow’s progress.

6. Case Studies / Scenarios • ITU Africa 2001, Johannesburg: 98 young people from almost all African countries invited by the ITU through an essay writing competition worked together and set the tone for the African Youth Initiative - www.ayinitiative.net • WSIS PrepCom 1, Geneva: Less than 10 young people representing different continents warm their way into hearts of delegates and established the now dynamic youth caucus of the WSIS and the YCDO framework – www.ycdo.net • Paradigm Initiative Nigeria: 6 young Nigerian graduates who, along with their “primary jobs”, are committed to the empowerment and inclusion of Nigeria’s youth in national development and global participation – www.pin.itgo.com

7. Best Practices Working with young people on ICT4D initiatives demands the ability to get the job done without placing less emphasis on the people who get the job done. The vessel is as important as the fluid. The following are proven best practices: • Positive Peer Pressure • Recognition – in volunteerism or employment • Balanced monitoring/freedom: No glass ceilings • Defined venture goals, clear roles • Constant information flow • Provision for personal development • Opportunity for tangible nation building • Platform for global participation

8. Youth & ICTs for Development:Best Practices THANK YOU Questions? ‘Gbenga SesanNigeria’s Information Technology Youth Ambassadorwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com ICT Policy Advocacy WorkshopBritish Council, Abuja, NIGERIA. 03 September 2003.