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The United Nations Information Technology Service (UNITeS) is a
global volunteer initiative to help bridge the digital divide. UNITeS
both
supports volunteers applying information and communications technologies
for development (ICT4D) and promotes volunteerism as a fundamental
element of successful ICT4D initiatives.
The United Nations has long recognized the need for timely and relevant
information as a fundamental element for human development. The expanding
digital divide is making a new dimension of poverty - information poverty
- highly significant and visible.
Volunteers bring ICT expertise in virtually any field related development, including
health, education, environment, governance, gender equity, prevention of HIV/AIDS
and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS, and development and sustainability
of small-medium enterprises. This includes humanitarian assistance activities.
UNITeS has two primary goals.
Organizations -- non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions,
development and volunteer-sending agencies, and private sector companies
-- as well as individual volunteers, interact with UNITeS in a number
of ways.
The key to the success of the UNITeS initiative is its growing network
of collaborating organizations representing all development stakeholder
groups.
There are various ways to contribute to UNITeS: with human resources,
with financial aid, with in-kind (equipment) donations, with knowledge,
with outreach assistance, and with logistical services.
UNITeS can already point to many achievements since its official implementation
in September 2000.
In his Millenium Report released in April 2000, the UN Secretary General
announced UNITeS as a special initiative to stimulate and channel the
contributions of volunteers to help bridge the digital divide.
This is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. If you cannot
find information you are looking for on our web site, or, if you have
a specific question, this section can probably give you an answer.
We welcome your expressions of interest, ideas, criticisms and suggestions.
To guide your contacts better, there are specific addresses for your use.
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