Designing E-Government for the Poor Workshop
Post-course Statement
This workshop was held in Tokyo from 28 March to 1 April 2005. The participants developed e-government portals for providing information services to their community with special attention to the poor. Through this workshop, we were able to document our resource speakers' presentations that are published on this web site. Participants also proposed 24 project ideas that will be communicated to donors for their review and possible support. |
Background
Many governments in the Asian and Pacific region are in the process of introducing e-government, as it has a 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. It implies modernization and reorganization of government work and responsibilities.
While the benefits of e-government are growing, there remains a need for a better understanding and assessment of the impact and role of e-government. Because of the tremendous resources required in implementing e-government, sharing of knowledge and experience will help ADB's developing member countries to reduce costs and avoid mistakes. There is a need to adjust and refine the e-government agenda, and give priorities and concrete indications on specific actions for progressing to e-government, especially the programs for the poor.
The workshop will discuss the following topics:
- Typical e-government programs for the poor
- Reengineering internal processes of government
- Critical factors contributing to success of e-government
- Stakeholder participation in e-government projects
- Community informatics strategy
- Community networking for learning and job training
- Building community leadership
- Data protection and privacy issues in e-government
Objectives
- To provide an opportunity to share experiences of implementing e-government for the poor in the participating countries
- To examine issues in implementing/planning e-government for the poor
- To draft action plans to improve/introduce e-government services for the poor
Outputs
- About 25 trained participants in establishing e-government programs
- Realistic strategies for establishing e-government centers in their countries
- Summary of proceedings
- Workshop materials that can be converted into interactive CD-ROMs and published on ADBI’s website
Participants
Decision makers in government ministries of communications, rural development, economy, or planning of the member and associate member countries of UNESCAP and ADBI. About 25 participants will attend this workshop from 23 countries. In addition, about 5 observers from civil society and international agencies are expected to attend the workshop.
Language
English (No interpretation will be provided.)
Responsibilities
Each participant is required to prepare a country report describing the use of information and communications technology in rural communities in their country and an action plan to implement information and communications technology for rural development.
Cosponsors
Cosponsors of the workshop were ADB, Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council, Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea, IBM, Microsoft, and UNESCAP.
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