World Dialogue on Regulation

LIRNE.NET and the World Dialogue on Regulation are collaborating with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the World Bank's infoDev program to organise a one day seminar on Pro-Poor Pro-Market Regulation Reform at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Other organising institutions are LIRNE/WDR regional partners LIRNEasia, Research ICT Africa (RIA) and Diálogo regional sobre la sociedad de la información (DIRSI - Regional Dialogue on the Information Society). The seminar will take place November 17 from 08:30 to 18:00 at the Kram Centre in Tunis.

Background

There is more than ample evidence that ICTs are having major impacts on economic growth, social and political development, and poverty reduction. At the same time, much of the investment in ICT for development interventions is on shaky grounds because of the high cost of ICT access, and the resulting failure of initiatives when public or donor funds are discontinued. The answer to these challenges is not only to construct more pro-poor interventions, but also to get ICT policy and regulatory frameworks right. Building a policy and regulatory framework that promotes access for the majority of the population in developing countries requires innovative solutions that take into account local realities. This conference will bring together key stakeholders involved in regulatory reform in Latin America, Africa and Asia, as well as leading practitioners and policy-makers to discuss best practices and successful strategies for providing universal and affordable access.

Consult the agenda on the IDRC website.