Information and Communication Technology and Peacebuilding: Summary of a Workshop (2008)

Activities, Policy Research ICT, Advisory ICT, Reports, Foundation, UN Crisis Information Management Strategy (CIMS), Strategic Input into UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian operations, New media for crisis management and peacebuilding

5. August 2008

Information and Communication Technology and Peacebuilding: Summary of a Workshop, July 2008

Carol Arenberg and Greg Pearson, Editors

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

On December 14, 2007, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) U.S. held one-day workshop (see agenda, Appendix A) to consider how information and communication technology (ICT) can contribute to peacebuilding. People representing a variety of organizations and backgrounds attended, including Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor to the ICT4Peace Foundation in his capacity as Head of Peacebuilding at InfoShare, Sri Lanka.

The workshop opened with an introductory talk on conflict in the 21st century, which was followed by two panels. The first panel examined successful cases of ICT use in peacebuilding; the second addressed the ICT-related challenges and opportunities faced by those working in zones of conflict. Designated respondents provided comment on each panel, and there was also general discussion. The meeting concluded with a plenary session on next steps and possible collaboration. This report, prepared by NAE staff, follows the same format as the workshop.