ITU has published the 2002 Digital Access Index, a global ranking of the availability of information and communications technologies.

Unlike previous indices that have focused solely on infrastructure and Internet penetration, this index attempts to factor in education levels and affordability as well!

"Until now, limited infrastructure has often been regarded as the main barrier to bridging the Digital Divide," says Michael Minges of the Market, Economics and Finance Unit at ITU. "Our research, however, suggests that affordability and education are equally important factors."

Countries were ranked on a score of 0 to 1.0, then sorted into four categories: high access, upper access, medium access and low access. Northern European countries and Korean ranked the highest overall, while West African nations ranked the lowest.

=> Another interesting aspect, which a lot of people seem not to be aware of:

The results suggest that English is no longer a decisive factor in quick technology adoption, especially as more content is made available in other languages!

http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2003/30.html

This is somewhat interesting:

People in the UK are not only marching on the streets for demonstrations, they are also starting to "chase" Bush by using ICTs.

It´s argumented that big media enterprises do not show protests (i.e. BBC America) so the public needs to make its own media.

I think this will take us to a new discussion about media, democracy, power, security, and ethics co-relations.

http://www.interwebnet.org

This is a very interesting and entertaining example of how to do SMART campaigning. Have fun watching it!

http://www.bancruelfarms.org/meatrix/

An essay competition is being sponsored by the Bank and the College of Europe for people between 19 and 25 who reside in a European country, whether students or not. Three essays selected by the judges will be published. Their winning authors will receive paid Bank internships in
Paris, prizes of 2,000 or 1,000 euros, and field visits to Bank projects.

Essays should reflect on concrete proposals to reduce world poverty and share new thinking on the role of Europeans in development, as well as advocate greater European commitment in this domain. Deadline for submissions is February 29.

http://www.essaycompetition.org/