PEACE/ICTs Research @ Jalingo. April 9 2005. Taraba State, Nigeria

1. PEACE/ICTs Research @ Jalingo. April 9 2005. Taraba State, Nigeria

2. ICT 4 PEACEResearch on the Possible Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Peace/Conflict Situations ‘Gbenga Sesan PEACE/ICTs Researcher Human Network / Toda Institute www.h-network.org | gbenga.sesan@h-network.org www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com PEACE/ICTs Research @ Jalingo. April 9 2005. Taraba State, Nigeria

3. Background to the Research • Twelve young researchers, working from 10 different countries are looking into the role of new Information and Communication Technologies in Peace/Conflict situations • Beginning in 2005, Phase III of the University of Hawaii Toda Institute for peace and policy research program focuses on “Peace, Education, Art, Culture, and Environment in a Globalizing World” (hence the acronym PEACE) • The new phase in the Toda Institute’s research program will examine the problems and prospects of an emerging global society in confrontation and negotiation with the local circumstances

4. Background to the Research • In keeping with its motto, “Dialogue of Civilizations for Global Citizenship”, the Institute invited outside participants to join them in this research venture and these 12 young people responded through the PEACE and ICTs project proposal • The aim of the research is to analyze and identify possible relationships between conflicts and the set of technological and educational inequalities known as the digital divide • The research effort seeks to identify the perceptions of youths internationally in this regard and the proposed study will make enquiry into the views and perceptions of youth towards possible implementation of new communication technologies for promotion of peace and tolerance

5. Research and Outcomes • The young researchers are working from Australia, Brazil, Israel, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Macedonia, Sweden, Thailand and USA – and are connected by ICTs • This study will question different aspects of conflicts (cultural, socio-economic, etc.) from the point of view of youth, particularly focusing on the digital divide • Towards a better intercultural dialogue, the study will inquire into a variety of perceptions held by today’s youths and their vision for the future, even where this vision challenges the existing policies and views. • Researchers will analyze and summarize the collected data and will produce a major output in form of a book. The book will be a valuable reference material for peace researchers, especially as the effort is led by young people themselves

6. ICTs: A Quick Tour • ICTs: Information and Communication Technologies (the means of generating, processing, transporting and presenting information) • Old ICTs exist, but the new ICTs follow: • Information Technology • Computers; Data processing/number crunching • Telecommunications • Telephones, fax, satellite, TV; Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) • Networks • Internet, data, satellite, cell; Pretty Amazing New Services (PANS) • ICTs: Convergence of Communications, Computers, Consumer electronics, Content • Convergence at the level of technology – all is in bits (binary digits); industry; policy & regulation; advocacy and multi-stakeholder participation

7. Ripples from Taraba… • An unplanned discussion with a group of young men went on to become the Planning Committee (Jide, Raymond and Joseph)… • Passion to meet a need: Youth Agenda  Taraba Digital Village  PEACE/ICTs Research, etc • Taraba’s young people are equally global citizens and should be able to compete with their peers – regardless of time, distance, geography or challenges • This research is one of many opportunities to get involved in activities that can gravitate you in the direction of Personal Development, Nation Building, Regional Cooperation and Global Participation • Other opportunities include: • eNigeria mailing list / PIN activities (www.pin.org.ng) • WSIS Youth Awards and WSYA Radio (www.wysa-radio.org) • World Summit Awards (www.wsisawards.org) • Google IT! (www.google.com)

8. Feedback from YOU • Age / Gender / Country / City / eMail / Occupation / Computer access/know-how • Section 1: On the Digital Divide – General • Have you ever heard about the Digital Divide? If yes, how would you define Digital Divide? • Section 2 • How would you describe the “digital divide” with reference to Nigeria? • Section 3: ICT Access • Do you think your state has adequate access to ICTs?YES / NO • Do you think active access/lack of active access to ICTs contribute to equality/inequality • What do you think a) has been b) should be the role of international society for making technology available and accessible to the underprivileged communities of Nigeria? • Section 4: ICT & Conflicts • 10. Do you think the combined economic advantages and lifestyle generally associated with ICTs contribute to tension/conflict between groups in your society/region? Please explain: • Can ICTs become tools or vehicles for promoting justice, tolerance and peace in Africa? How? • Section 5: Internet Governance • Do you think freedom of speech is important? • What, in your opinion, is the general state of freedom of speech in your country? • Do you think the access to free speech and information provided by the Internet has or could have an effect on the way African governments shape policies? How?

9. THANK YOU ‘Gbenga Sesan PEACE/ICTs Researcher Human Network / Toda Institute www.h-network.org | gbenga.sesan@h-network.org www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com PEACE/ICTs Research @ Jalingo. April 9 2005. Taraba State, Nigeria