This article discusses how ICTs have merged into meeting cultural norms in Saudi Arabia, but in this case, the ICTs are not contributing to a more democratic and equal society but increasing gender inequality in the notorious traditional non-egalitarian society.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/25/world/meast/saudi-arabia-women/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Today on November 16, 2012, a tech entrepreneurship conference was held in Kingston, Jamaica, and the keynote speaker for Caribbean BETA 2012 was Mike Johns, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Mind State based in Los Angeles, California. Although he might not be well known within the Caribbean, Mike is widely respected internationally for helping global brands marry hip-hop culture and wireless (especially mobile/cellular) technology. Mike’s talk will be on, “Reggae Music 2.0: How will it succeed in the Digital Age of Music, Brand, Culture”, will focus on the business of reggae music, and how this genre can fulfill its potential in this digital age.
Later in the morning, there will also be a panel discussion, “When technology meets the Creative Industries”, with persons representing the music, film, animation, and publishing industries. The panel will be examining how technology is being used in the Creative Industries and within their respective fields, and highlighting trends and business opportunities that marry the arts and technology.
http://www.ict-pulse.com/2012/11/caribbean-beta-2012-business-internet/
http://www.apps-world.net/africa/workshops/speakers/514-mike-johns-president-digital-mind-state
(read the last line on this link if you want a good laugh)
I agree with the points made in the introduction by Tim Unwin that ICTs are not enough to make a global difference. ICTs are aware of the problems, but when it comes down to it, ICT4D makes the difference with the solution -at least strategies and plans- to overcome the digital divide that is so prevalent in the world today. I believe that globalization has not been beneficial to all countries. The developed countries are able to exploit the resources in the developing countries because they have no choice. Of course, there are regulations enforced by the WTO and other multi-national corporations, but it is important to empower the developing countries with ICT4D to make them self-sustaining. In order to narrow the digital gap, it is crucial to have cooperation among government, civil society, and the global actors (social entrepreneurs, multi-organizations, investors) and to be mission-driven. It is inadequate to bring them just accessibility but also imperative to teach them how to use their newly acquired resources. It is the only way to give developing countries a fair chance on the global field.
