About the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP)
The Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) is the first global multistakeholder partnership in the area of ICT for Development. It is an evolving network of public, private and not-for-profit organizations. Its members come from all levels (from grass roots to international organizations), all sectors (from governments and government agencies to private sector, civil society and think tanks), and all countries (from least developed countries to industrialized countries). As a broad-based multi-stakeholder partnership of networks, the GKP carries a wide range of cross-sectoral experience and knowledge on ICT for development and empowerment. Vision
The GKP envisions a world of equal opportunities where all people are able to use and access knowledge and information to improve their lives. Mission
GKP aims to promote broad access to – and effective use of – knowledge and information as tools of equitable sustainable development. Towards this end, the GKP propagates, facilitates, and practices the sharing of information, experiences and resources to realise the potential of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve lives, reduce poverty and empower people. Rationale
The GKP believes that given the opportunities to access and use ICT, the disadvantaged, marginalised and the poor can improve their economic well-being and empower themselves and their communities to participate in and be responsible for their own development. It believes that mutual prosperity gained through the effective use of information and knowledge would contribute to a more stable and equitable world. Areas of Activity
The GKP maximizes its impact by facilitating advocacy in global policy dialogues on ICT for Development, providing services that enhance its members’ individual and collective efficiency and effectiveness, and increasing the availability of information and knowledge on ICT for development and empowerment. Partnership Principles
Equal rights; Shared values; Mutual respect; Transparency; and Trust. Governance
An elected Executive Committee serves as the decision-making body of the Partnership. The GKP Chair for 2001-2003 is the Government of Switzerland, represented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The GKP Secretariat, which supports and implements decisions of the Partnership, is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information about the Global Knowledge Partnership, please email gkps@gkpsecretariat.org.my or visit http://www.globalknowledge.org Some examples of GKP Activities at the global level: Global Knowledge for Development in the Information Age conference (GK'97)
This conference, which led to the birth of the GKP, was the first of its kind in the world to address Information Age issues and challenges by bringing together development stakeholders from 144 countries. Co-hosts: Government of Canada and the World Bank. Second Global Knowledge Conference (GKII)
This conference focused on the issue of the digital divide and how to build Knowledge Societies. It identified access, empowerment and governance as crucial elements of an equitable and sustainable knowledge society. GKII had 75% representation from developing countries and effectively brought the voices of the developing world to the attention of global development stakeholders. GKII also had a special focus on women, youth and media, as well as a knowledge fair that showcased new technologies, tools and innovative strategies to address development challenges. Host: Government of Malaysia. Youth Building Knowledge Societies (YBKS) Global e-Conference
This e-conference attracted hundreds of young people to an online conference in 2000 to explore how youth are using ICTs in the production, dissemination and use of knowledge for sustainable development. The e-conference focused on the actual experiences of young people in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe and the results were presented at GKII. Bridging the Digital Divide Consultation and Recommendations to the G-8 Dot Force
The GKP conducted a member consultation which brought in lessons learned from concrete projects on the ground from around the world. Three broad recommendations were presented: Include everyone in the digital revolution, build on existing local resources, focus on key sectors and learn from ICT applications in the field. The GKP contribution helped the Dot Force consult non G-8 members, particularly those in the developing world and outside of official government channels, on the proposed Dot Force plan of action. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
The GKP will bring its knowledge and experience to the WSIS process and events by channeling developing country views and concerns, facilitating the participation and advocacy of marginalised stakeholder groups, providing thematic inputs based on consultations and co-organising thematic events.
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