http://africa.oneworld.net/article/archive/582 en_GB http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160573/1/582 To help companies adopt better energy management practices, an online Virtual Energy Forum will be held from June 10-11, 2008. Using live video presentations by alternative energy experts, the event will provide a discussion platform on how to use clean technology. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160568/1/582 Solar power and biofuels could be used to power base stations in developing countries, says the mobile industry trade body, GSM Association. The rising price of diesel and remote locations are making people look at alternative ways to reduce energy and make base stations more self-sustaining. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160557/1/582 An ICT project in Sri Lanka is enabling people with disabilities to avail opportunities and live in an inclusive society. The eNABLE project – with Braille-equipped computers, a software to convert text into speech, a group hearing system and host of other facilities – links them with others at global and national levels. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160554/1/582 Walter Fust, former Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) envisions a knowledge safety net where human values go beyond the statistics of the Gross National Product (GNP). He acknowledges telecentre.org’s work in enabling people to benefit from the transformative power of technology. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160550/1/582 Figures supplied by UK's telecom regulator revealed that digital divide in the country has widened despite the government's promise of achieving Internet access for all. Income, ethnicity, region, and the presence of children in households appear determining factors for web accessibility. http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160537/1/582 With a view to reach out to the ‘unbanked’ people and to improve overall financial services, major Indian banks are likely to introduce M-banking in a huge way. The only concern delaying the project is the security aspect. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160525/1/582 Commonwealth of Learning is organising the fifth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF5) from July 13-17, 2008 in London. The Forum will explore how open and distance learning can help achieve education for all through widening educational access and bridging the digital divide. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160524/1/582 A new publication Data-Driven School Improvement by New York based Education Development centre emphasises use of data to improve classroom learning and teaching. The book examines the role of digital technologies in enhancing student performance. http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160519/1/582 Indian zoos will soon be globally connected thanks to an agreement with the US-based International Species Information System. The world's largest online database on zoo animals has historic data for several thousands of species, enables better collection and sharing of information and makes animal exchange easier. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160518/1/582 Indian zoos will soon be globally connected thanks to an agreement with the US-based International Species Information System. The world's largest online database on zoo animals has historic data for several thousands of species, enables better collection and sharing of information and makes animal exchange easier. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160507/1/582 Software giant Bill Gates has promised to provide students in Indonesia with low-cost computers and free software. This will greatly help the government seeking to introduce a million computers for educational purposes. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160504/1/582 At the third annual National Digital Inclusion Conference held in London last week, stakeholders from government, industry and voluntary sectors acknowledged the need to make digital technologies an equaliser rather than a divider through radical interventions that reach excluded citizens. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160484/1/582 Mark MacGann, Director General of European Information & Communications Technology Industry Association believes that despite being one of the major contributors to climate change, the ICT industry has the potential to tackle the problem by integrating environmental responsibility with corporate strategy. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160482/1/582 World Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences is organising an International Conference on Communications and Information Technologies from August 13-15, 2008 in Vienna, Austria. The event is a premier forum for researchers, scientists, engineers, and scholars to present technological advances and research results in the fields of ICT. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/view/160481/1/582 The world’s second-largest social networking website has signed an agreement to incorporate safeguards to protect young users from paedophiles and cyber bullying. The site will send warning messages and remove inappropriate content to shield minors from abuse.