World Development Information Day sheds light on technology influence

AMMAN — World Development Information Day, annually marked on October 24, is considered an opportunity to shed light on today’s world developmental challenges and to improve the dissemination of information and the mobilisation of public opinion, particularly among young people.

In preparation for this important date, young Jordanian technology experts spoke to The Jordan Times about technology’s influence on today’s world development.

Information technology helps the young generation come up with new solutions to developmental issues and challenges, according to Bayan Khaled, a young Jordanian computer engineer.

Khaled also pointed out that investing in youth is one of the key steps towards improving the realities of world development.

“Technology can be a motivator and helps in providing means for youth’s creativity and entrepreneurial innovation,”Celina Varouqa, a Jordanian computer scientist and technology expert, told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

Varouqa added that while technology provides a wealth of information, people need to be mindful of technological etiquette in order to leverage the new advancements.

According to the UN website: “The information and communications technologies have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalisation, and can foster economic growth, competitive, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradicationand social inclusion….”

The website also states that the major challenges developing countries face in accessing new technologies include insufficient resources, infrastructure, education, capacity, investment and connectivity, and issues related to technology ownership.

In 1972, the UN General Assembly established World Development Information Day with the objective of drawing the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation.