'Those who would use information and communication technology (ICT) in the cause of peace need to be cognizant of the risks as well as the benefits. ICT can facilitate positive dialogue but also hate speech. It can be used to fight corruption but also facilitate it. Simply giving people more information does not necessarily lead to predictable or positive results. As people become more informed, they may become more motivated to change their circumstances and to do so violently.

On December 1 more...

The UN Foundation partnership with the Vodafone Group Foundation (VGF) began operations in October 2005, with a £10 million commitment from VGF matched by £5 million from the UN Foundation to support UN causes. The Partnership seeks to leverage Vodafone’s strengths – its mobile technology, global infrastructure, and capacity for mass consumer outreach – with the UN’s scale, mission, and human capital. Its goal is to support activities and manage initiatives that use technology tools to more...

Ushahidi means witness. This website provides a map of outbreaks of crime or violence in Kenya. It has easy templates for people to report incidents via the Internet, and it now allows instant messaging to be used to report incidents. The incidents are verified, often by inquiries to NGO's known to be working in the geographic area in which the incidents are reported. The verified incidents are mapped using Google mapping software, so that the user can zoom in or out, and can see maps, satellite more...

This website has been launched to share up-to-date news about Cyclone Sidr and mobilize support for survivors: "On Nov 15, 2007 Cyclone Sidr, a powerful Category 4 tropical storm, hit the southern part of Bangladesh. With winds of 240km/h (150mph) and a tidal surge of several meters, it is the second strongest hurricane in recorded history. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society estimates that the death toll could exceed 10,000. In addition, millions have been rendered homeless and there has been s more...

This e-Note published by APDIP-UNDP and written by Chanuka Wattegama focuses on ICTs for Disater Management: "Even in a poor country, disaster management would be much better if right ICT infrastructure is in place." reminds the author. Foreword: "The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) has calculated that of the 5,210 disasters recorded in the world between 1991 and 2005, 2,029 (approximately 40 percent) have occurred in the Asia-Pacific region. Several other more...

The OpenNet Initiative blog investigates state-based Internet filtering on a daily basis. The ONI blog as recently pointed out the Internet outage in Burma during September 2007. The OpenNet Initative’s mission is to identify and document Internet filtering and surveillance, and to promote and
inform wider public dialogue about such practices.

Lead: "Information technology, satellite imaging and research carried out in disaster-relief areas have begun to transform humanitarian aid into a more efficient and less haphazard endeavor." The article describes how improved technology, including medical kits, have combined with better coordination and the development of standards for dealing with emergencies have improved international response to disasters over several decades. A key point is that rapid survey techniques, once thought not a more...

"24 Hours for Darfur" is one of 13 nonprofit organizations chosen as launch partners for YouTube's new nonprofit program. The program, which begins today, September 27th, allows 501(c)(3) organizations to have a special channel designated as a nonprofit and the functionality to receive donations directly through the YouTube site. 24 Hours for Darfur is a grassroots video advocacy campaign to demand action to end the genocide in Darfur. Check out their site and get involved -- www.24hoursfordarfu more...

Internews seeks a Project Director to implement its Humanitarian Information program in Sri Lanka. The project will produce media programs aimed at recently displaced or resettled communities from the conflict in Sri Lanka. Productions will include both radio broadcast and printed material that supports efforts to meet civilian humanitarian needs. Contributed by Jessica Matthews.

This e-primer introduces policy makers and development practitioners to the application of different information and communications technology (ICT) for disaster management, with case studies from the Asia-Pacific region. A key conclusion is that the effectiveness of ICTs in reducing disaster risks depends on how these ICTs are used. The use of ICTs in disaster management should not be seen as a choice between one type of technology over another. A multiplicity of communication channels and tech more...