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ITU launches WSIS Project Prize 2014 competition
Global prizes will recognize outstanding projects designed to further
accessibility and affordability of ICTs
Geneva, 11 October 2013 – For the third consecutive year,
ITU has launched a competition that recognizes excellence in the implementation
of projects and initiatives which further the
World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) goals of improving connectivity to information and
communication technologies (ICTs), particularly within underserved communities.
Organized into four phases which will run until mid-April 2014, the contest
comprises
18 categories directly linked to the WSIS Action Lines outlined in the
Geneva Plan of
Action. Winners for each category will be announced at an award ceremony on
13 April 2014, during the
WSIS+10 High-Level
Event.
The WSIS Project Prizes provide a high-profile, international platform for
recognizing and showcasing success stories and models that could be easily
replicated. They are designed to empower communities at the local level, giving
all stakeholders working on WSIS projects the opportunity to participate. In
particular, they recognize the commitment and efforts of stakeholders – no
matter how big or small – to use ICT as a powerful tool improve social
inclusiveness and economic development.
Next year’s awarding of the 2014 WSIS Project Prizes takes on a special
significance in the light of
WSIS+10 Review Process.
“I am pleased to see so many stakeholders making such great achievements in
the implementation of the WSIS outcomes, and inspiring others to do the same,”
said Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of ITU. “I hope to see even more
countries and stakeholders engaging in the process and sharing their valuable
knowledge with others through this platform.”
Submissions can be made online at
www.wsis.org/prizes until 1st November 2013.
Testimonials from past winners
“Receiving the 2013 WSIS Project Prize was a tremendous honour and an
important recognition that public libraries are powerful partners in
development. Winning such an esteemed prize gave us extra validation that our
innovative approach connecting libraries with technology is working.”
Rima Kupryte, Director of EIFL
“The victory of the electronic licensing of Kazakhstan in the international
WSIS Project Prizes 2013 competition served as a great incentive and became the
pride of the entire project team, including both public authorities and the
business community…After receiving the award, experts from several countries
visited Kazakhstan to learn more about our experience in introducing the project
and our plans for further development. We would be very glad if other Kazakhstan
projects would take part in this important competition in future.”
Ruslan Ensebayev, Chairman of the Board, NITEC, Kazakhstan
“Winning the prize means that even small nations can give examples to the
world of how to successfully design and execute ICT projects to increase the
accessibility of new technologies to poor people, in line with the Millennium
Development Goals. Our team has received many congratulations, and other
countries have asked us for advice. We are very glad to share our expertise and
collaborate with countries to help them to replicate the model.”
Patricio Carvajal, Digital Literacy Director, Ministry of Telecommunications and
Information Society, Ecuador
“It is important to win this contest because it gives official recognition to
your work and confirms that you are doing the right thing.” Thomas
Mueller, Deputy Head of Programmes, Child Helpline International
“It is an incentive for the team to further transform our e-government
programmes into a more reachable, available, secure, and seamless service for
citizens." Khaled H. Al Ajmi, Ministry of Higher Education, Saudi Arabia
More information on last year’s winners can be found at
WSIS Stocktaking: Success Stories 2013.
Background:
The WSIS Project Prizes is an international contest developed in response to
requests of the WSIS Stakeholders that requested for an effective mechanism to
evaluate and recognize individuals; governments; civil society; local, regional
and international agencies; research institutions; and private sector companies
for outstanding success in implementing development-oriented strategies that
leverage the power of ICTs. The new WSIS Project Prizes are now an integral part
of the WSIS Stocktaking Process established in 2004 (www.wsis.org/stocktaking/prizes).
Be part of the WSIS discussions and get the latest WSIS news on Twitter at
#WSIS.
For more information, please see
WSIS Project Prizes 2013 or contact:
Sarah Parkes
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
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Jaroslaw Ponder
Strategy & Policy Advisor, ITU
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