Monday, July 27, 2009

Integrated Approaches for Participatory Development

I'm awestruck by new technologies that can help communities develop and have a voice in their own development. The website http://www.iapad.org/ stands for Integrated Approaches for Participatory Development.

The focus is on using Geographic Information Technologies and Systems (GIT&S) together with Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) methods. The purpose is "to compose peoples’ spatial knowledge in the forms of virtual or physical, 2 or 3 dimensional maps used as interactive vehicles for discussion, information exchange, analysis and as support in advocacy, decision making and action taking. PGIS practice is usually geared towards community empowerment through measured, demand-driven, user-friendly and integrated applications of GIT&S, where maps become a major conduit in the process."

The site has a library of resources, examples, videos, and funding resources for non-profits.

There's also a companion site, www.PPgis.net, the electronic forum on participatory use of geo-spatial information systems and technologies. The forum hosts four distinct discussion lists, the global list which is Anglophone, and its Latin American (Spanish), Lusophone (Brazilian) and Francophone chapters.

The author of both sites is Giacomo Rambaldi, Natural Resource Management and Participation Specialist.

Friday, July 10, 2009

UNA-USA Student Alliances

There's a great new opportunity for students to become involved with the UN and with the Unitd Nations Association of the USA The UNA-USA Student Alliance program will re-launch in August with a new format. UNA's Membership Department is working with the Council of Chapters and Divisions Steering Committee and others to develop a trial format for the UNA-USA Student Alliance program. The one-year trial, which is scheduled to start in August in time for the 2009-2010 school year, will offer students an opportunity to learn about the UN, to become involved in leadership in important global issues, and to receive benefits from UNA and local chapters and divisions where they exist.

The UNA-USA Student Alliance Program will invite students to form UNA-USA Student Alliance Groups, at the middle school, high school or college levels. Students may also join individually. More information will be posted on the www.unausa.org website soon.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A Lot Going On

Since I've last written, I've been involved in two major events. One was the United Nations Association of the USA's Biannual Convention. That took place in Washington, DC, from June 12 - 14. Photos are online at the www.unausa.org Flickr account, and I've written an article for the UNA Southern New York State Division's website: www.unasouthernny.org. Anticipated by all was a chance to get to know Ambassador Tom Miller, UNA's new president. Tom plans to work closely with Chapters and Divisions of UNA-USA, a departure from the previous president, and this was welcomed by all.

The other event, on Ethanol and Bioenergy, was organized by the Public-Private Alliance Foundation. It featured aspects of investment in bioenergy, with participants from the financial sector, producers, non-Governmental organizations, and the United Nations. A report on the event will be available soon at www.ppafoundation.org Meanwhile, you can view one of the participants speaking about investment issues on PPAF's YouTube account: www.YouTube.com/ppafoundation