Public Information Services for the Poor 2006: A Distance Learning Course

Post-event Statement

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Background

A distance learning course based on ADBI lecture CD-ROMs.

Many governments in the Asian and Pacific region are introducing e-government, as it has the potential to improve efficiency and transparency in the public sector. E-government can also enhance the quality of life through inclusive public services for all. The realization of efficient and functioning e-government needs more that mere adoption of information and communications technology (ICT). It implies modernization and reorganization of government work and responsibilities.

ICT has enormous potential to improve the livelihoods of low income people by reducing the cost of providing services to traditionally marginalized communities and facilitating the build up of constructive social capital. ICT contributes to poverty reduction by enhancing the efficiency of the economy, enabling better delivery of public services, and creating new employment opportunities for the poor and disabled.

While the benefits of e-government are growing, there remains a need for a better understanding and assessment of its impact and role. Because of the significant resources required to implement e-government, the sharing of knowledge and experience will help countries to reduce costs and avoid mistakes.

This distance-learning course will enable participants from marginalized regions to overcome geographical barriers, time limitations, and financial constraints to share knowledge and learn from experts. The interactive self-paced course will blend these learning methods:

• Self study (documents and lecture CD-ROMs)
• Video-conference (opening and closing ceremonies)
• Online consultations with the course leader 
• Teamwork (chat and forum)

The course will discuss:

• Policies and strategies for providing public information services
• Business models of community information centers
• Community information needs surveys
• Stakeholder participation in e-government projects

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Objectives

• Review at least three different cases of e-government services for poverty reduction in Asian countries;
• Debate issues in providing public information services in mountainous areas;
• Identify policies that can effectively promote public information services; and
• Draft business plans for establishing community information centers.

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Outputs

• Well trained local government leaders in providing public information services
• Realistic strategies for establishing community information centers in remote areas
• Course proceedings

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Participants

The main audience is decision makers in government ministries of communications, rural development, economy, local government and planning. However, interested persons from civil society and the private sector are welcome. There is a limit of 500 participants. Priority will be given to applicants from ADB developing member countries.

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Language

English (Neither interpretation nor translation services into local languages will be provided.)

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Responsibilities

Each participant is required to prepare an issues paper on public information services and a business plan for establishing a community information center. Suggested outlines of the issues paper and a template for the business plan will be provided in advance to the selected participants. Participants are also required to pass the final test to be eligible for the certificates to be issued by the ADBI Dean.

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Cosponsors

Cosponsors are Asian Development Bank, IBM, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency, Korean Agency for Digital Opportunity, Microsoft, and the World Bank (Global Development Learning Network).