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The Collegium for Development Studies at Uppsala University,
in collaboration with Sida’s ICT4D Secretariat,
and Division for Democratic Governance,
is pleased to invite you to the conference:

Big Brother and Empowered Sisters
The role of new communication technologies in democratic processes

April 16 - 17, 2008
Missionskyrkan
St. Olofsgatan 40, Uppsala

Information and communication technology (ICT) entails both immense possibilities and great challenges. Globally, huge investments are made in ICT as an undisputed and essential component of almost all activities – state and corporate. It is also an integral part of international development cooperation, with the ultimate goal of poverty reduction.

Poverty includes, in addition to economic poverty and lack of physical resources, also lack of information, possibilities and power. ICT does not differ from other global public goods, where access is determined by resources, intent and power.

However, the rapid spread of ICT – mainly internet and mobile phones – has created tremendous opportunities in making information available instantly and at low cost. It can be used to seek, receive, create and impart information and ideas by anyone, at any time and for any purpose. This makes it possible for users to bypass traditional and official channels of information and communication.

Though no technology is inherently good or bad, it is probable that the use of any technology will reflect the ideology of a society's dominant power structures, as well as contribute to the very shaping of that society. In sustainable economic and social development ICT is a powerful tool, but as far as democracy is concerned it poses both threats and opportunities.

The use of new technologies thus may lead to increased participation in democracy at all levels of society. ICT is used by social movements for horizontal networking, and it enhances civil society's possibility to mould opinion, mobilise politically, and to debate and protest.

In government, ICT may increase accountability, efficiency and transparency, and counter corruption through increased flows of information. This may lead to improved interaction and communication between government and citizens. However, the increased possibility for governments to control and monitor may also lead to less freedom for the individual.

At this conference we will address three large areas of concern for development cooperation in the area of democratisation:

the implications of ICT for democracy and democratic processes;
ICT and the freedom of expression, not least in contexts where tolerance for opposition is low;
ICT and the formation of social movements.

Preliminary Programme

Conference Day: April 16

9.00	Opening of Conference Mia Melin, Collegium for Development Studies, Uppsala University Helena Bjuremalm, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya
9.15	What’s New about New Technologies? Helen Belcastro, Sida/ICT4D Secretariat
9.45	Coffee
10.15	Empowered Sisters – Strategic Uses of ICTs to Promote Social Justice and Equality Anriette Esterhuysen, APC, South Africa Discussion in groups
11.45	Big Brother and Freedom of Expression Robert Hårdh, Swedish Helsinki Committee, Stockholm Discussion in groups
12.45	Lunch at Atlantis World Kitchen, Dragarbrunnsgatan 25
14.00	Cooperation for Empowerment *Civil society groups and national ICT policies* Alice Munyua, KICTANet, Kenya Discussion in groups
15.20	New Social Movements in the Network Society *Implications for Democratic Processes* Sasha Costanza-Chock, University of Southern California Discussion in groups Coffee during discussions
16.20 – Approx 17.30	Joint Discussion Chair: Helena Bjuremalm, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya

Workshop Day: April 17

9.15	Opening of Workshop Mia Melin Helena Bjuremalm
9.30	Freedom of Press and Political Activism Walid al-Saqaf, Global Journalism, Örebro University, Sweden / Yemen
10.00	Coffee
10.30	Mobile Democracy - The role of mobile phones in democracy processes Johan Hellström, UPGRAID, Uganda
11.00	*Workshop groups:* Kenya Ory Okolloh, Mzalendo, Kenya Alice Munuya, KICTANet, Kenya China and the Philippines Yu Zhang, Independent Chinese Pen Center, China/Sweden Manuel L. Quezon III, Columnist, the Philippines Egypt Gihan Abou Zeid, Consultant, Egypt Yasmine El Rafie, Journalist, Egypt/Sweden Option for NOHA students
Approx 12.00	Lunch served
	Continued Workshop Groups
14.30	Coffee
15.00	Seven Years of Democracy Conferences – Concluding Comments Helena Bjuremalm, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya
15.30	Closing of Workshop Mia Melin, Collegium for Development Studies

During the workshop day, April 17, the plenary will break into groups to deepen discussions on the themes raised during the conference, focussing on cases from different parts of the world: China, Philippines, Egypt, and Kenya.
(Participants will be asked for group preference upon confirmation of participation).

Time: April 16 – 17, 2008

Venue: Missionskyrkan, S:t Olofsgatan 40, Uppsala

There is no conference fee, and lunches and coffee are free.

Conference language: English

Registration to mia.melin@kus.uu.se no later than March 31!

For more information, please contact Mia Melin, phone +46-18-471 6851 or mia.melin@kus.uu.se and see website www.kus.uu.se for updates!

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