Empowering indigenous communities through technology
ITU is committed to empowering indigenous peoples – globally there are more than 476 million indigenous people around the world, across 90 countries and representing 5 000 different cultures –through ICTs. Most of these populations lack access to adequate economic resources, education and social protection.
A 1st on-line training programme “Innovative communication tools to strengthen the capacities of indigenous communities with a focus on how to develop, manage, and operate community Networks” was delivered through the ITU Academy, drawing 200 inscriptions from Indigenous Peoples (45 per cent women) across 16 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela).
A 2nd blended training programme “Managers in ICT Networks in Indigenous and Rural Communities in Latin America” was delivered through ITU Academy and face-to-face in Colombia, graduating 40 professionals with a balanced number between men and women.
The 2023 edition of the Indigenous training on Managers in ICT Networks in Indigenous and Rural Communities in Latin America was launched to ensure the evolving needs and requirements of Indigenous and remote communities are met.
A WSIS Session was held in March 2023 on “Capacity Building and Enabling Environments for Meaningful Access in Indigenous and Rural Communities”, where ITU shared its experience and lessons learned over the last 18 years in promoting digital inclusion for Indigenous and remote communities.
