The premise of the day-long global forum "Our Common Humanity in the Information Age: Principles and Values for Development" is that the six core values of the Millennium Declaration -- freedom, solidarity, equality, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility -- have not been given enough prominence, but their application would go a long way in resolving geopolitical difficulties and ensuring collective security. They also form the bedrock for development efforts, and can be given wide currency in the new information era.
Speakers at the event, organized by the Global Alliance for ICT and Development, include former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General; Louise T. Blouin, Foundation President; actress Julia Ormond; surgeon and bestselling author Dr. Mehmet C. Oz; Google Foundation President Larry Brilliant; BBC News Washington correspondent Katty Kay; and writers Benjamin R. Barber and Karen Armstrong.
"We need to revive and strengthen within the world community the spirit of cooperation based on these principles and values," said panelist Sarbuland Khan, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development. "Our collective security and vision for shared development hinge on a spirit of cooperation based on these principles and values."
Taking full advantage of information and communication technology, the public will have an opportunity to listen and contribute their opinions, thoughts and objections simultaneously and virtually. The forum has linked the United Nations physical event with web-based information and communication technology. Forum discussions will be webcast live on the Internet and include interactive chat rooms.
The overall goal is to generate interactive participation and substantive debate on the core values addressed at the event, while showcasing the opportunities offered by information and communication technology.
As a prelude to the conference, a Youth Forum on Our Common Humanity in the Information Age, sponsored by Friends of the United Nations, will be held at the United Nations on Tuesday, November 28.
The forum will be an interactive "think tank" experience for selected college students and young professionals who are passionate about advancing the United Nations development agenda using the newest communications technologies. Participants include students from many universities, including Columbia, Brandeis, Harvard, Rutgers, New York and Georgetown. Six exceptional youth leaders will facilitate the discussions and bring the voices of youth to each of the six panels.
