My Digital Dream: A disaster mitigation program strengthened by the use of ICT

“Having a disaster mitigation program strengthened by the use of ICT would not only save lives in times of disaster, it would also help foster community development. In developed countries, this could mean stronger intergenerational relationships, closer communities, and a stronger sense of protection. For developing countries, this would have the same positive effects as in developed countries, but could be further seen as a tool to help achieve the millennium development goals, and a greater economic prosperity for the region.

ICT is here to connect people. It is also here to protect people from disaster. My digital dream sees ICT accomplishing both goals.”

Canadian Michael Alty articulates a dream that not just the Foundation, but many involved in peacebuilding and conflict mitigation share. Read his full article here or below:

“I believe we have the ability to make a difference. There is an opportunity to improve every community on this planet through telecommunications and new technologies. Every community deserves to be connected so that when natural disasters strike, they have the power to anticipate threatening situations before they occur, and mitigate disasters after the fact.

Next month, I will represent Canada on the global stage as a Youth Forum Fellow at the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Telecom World 2006, “Living The Digital World”. The ITU is a United Nations agency tasked with supporting global telecommunications markets, particularly in the developing world. Built on the principles of equal opportunity and development, ITU enables governments, heads of industry and regulators to foster the progression of accessible telecommunication infrastructures.

ITU Telecom World is an international event that takes place every three years, providing countries with a platform to develop partnerships, debate policy initiatives and exchange technologies that will direct the future ICT industry. Held this year in Hong Kong, China from December 4 to 8, the event is an opportunity for Canada to showcase its strength in ICT and assist developing nations through commerce and mentorship.

I was appointed as a Canadian Youth Forum Fellow after submitting an essay stressing the importance of embracing simple technologies for disaster mitigation efforts, regardless of the locale. For the past five years, the Youth Forum has brought together international students to aide less developed nations.

Upon graduation, I would like to get involved in discussions to bring together the strengths of the state and non-governmental organizations to create policy that will facilitate sound development for Canada and abroad.

I believe that the Youth Forum at ITU Telecom World has the ability to empower youth seeking to make a difference in this world. It is through global leadership, awareness and youth evolvement that we can design a coherent roadmap for a greater, interconnected society.

“ICT Protecting Communities” – ITU Telecom World Youth Fellow Essay

My digital vision is to see information communication technology (ICT) used in disaster mitigation programs. In 1997, my village of Howden in central Canada succumbed to the waters of the mighty Red river. Of the 136 houses, only a handful survived. It is through the lens of my experiences that I see the role of ICT in the protection of lives and livelihoods of communities. Natural disasters happen in all corners of the world and it is time that communities harness the full potential of ICT.

Many times ICT is used interchangeably with the word internet, but it is much more. ICT encompasses both older technology (radio, newspaper, television, etc.,) as well as newer technology (internet, satellite connections, etc.). It is by using the technology that is accessible and relevant to a community that ICT will reach its potential. It is also through the research and innovation of new technologies, as well as the spread of technology, that its potential will be maximized.

For ICT to help a disaster mitigation program, it will necessitate the capacity of government, the private sector, as well as the civil society. Not only does it entail the participation of all three sectors of society, it also requires the partnership and engagement of all three parties.

The use of ICT will allow governments to communicate with citizens on arrival of such disasters. Further, the ability to integrate warning systems through technological manners could possibly prevent the deaths of many people. The increased use of broadcasts, as well as infrastructure like landlines would be key in this system.

In lesser developed countries (LDC), and especially in remote regions where access to technology is limited, it would be crucial for the most basic services to be offered. The private sector could help with greater distribution of technology, as well as increased use during responses to disasters. The public needs access to technology, as well as the proper training. This could be brought about by community training, and peer initiatives, or through other technological means such as via the internet.

Having a disaster mitigation program strengthened by the use of ICT would not only save lives in times of disaster, it would also help foster community development. In developed countries, this could mean stronger intergenerational relationships, closer communities, and a stronger sense of protection. For developing countries, this would have the same positive effects as in developed countries, but could be further seen as a tool to help achieve the millennium development goals, and a greater economic prosperity for the region.

ICT is here to connect people. It is also here to protect people from disaster. My digital dream sees ICT accomplishing both goals.

Michael Alty is currently in his final year of study, completing a B.A. in Political Studies, Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. He is a Canadian Youth Forum Fellow for ITU Telecom World 2006, 4-8 December, Asiaworld Expo, Hong kong, China”