Ban Ki-moon renews Abu-Ghazaleh's membership in GAID

The GAID meeting took place in concurrence with the Global Forum on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Kuala Lumpur May 17-21, 2008.

Abu-Ghazaleh chaired the Forum's session on enhancing communication opportunities and financing technologies at the global level, which was attended by government officials and representatives from the private sector and civil society.

Abu-Ghazaleh also participated in a dialogue on programs and plans for the provision of communication opportunities in remote villages, islands and isolated areas.

He also offered two vital suggestions to the Forum.

The first of these relates to developing GAID's activity so it becomes a center of reference for consultations and assistance for various regions and bodies worldwide, while organizing partnerships with financing entities that own technology.

The second suggestion calls for the Alliance to play the role of a mediator between regions needing ICT and governments coupled with major firms that own technology, such that these entities supply particular regions, towns or cities with the technical know-how they need.

Abu-Ghazaleh also presented the project for refurbishing and renewal of half a million computers for usage in developing nations' schools that was assigned to him by the UN Secretary-General, and led a special session on this topic to arrange for practical steps in this regard.

It is worth noting that GAID is an initiative that was launched by the UN Secretary-General that aims to advance ICT in developing nations.