Global Prize for IT Benefiting Youth in Developing Countries
The Development Gateway Foundation is calling for nominations for its US$100,000 prize for outstanding achievement in the use of information and communication technologies to improve lives in developing countries.
Sponsored in part by Intel Corporation, this year’s Development Gateway Award is focusing on initiatives that empower or improve the conditions of youth.
The award will be launched here today at the United Nations’ World Urban Forum III, at a special reception for youth participants following the close of this weekend’s World Youth Forum. Both events have gathered people from around the world to focus on critical development issues. Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply for the award. Applicants must demonstrate that their initiatives are successful, sustainable and replicable. The initiatives must also show significant impact on youth in areas that are important to social and economic development, such as employment, education, health or agriculture.
“Better access to basic information or services through technology can change the life of a poor person,” said Mark Fleeton, Chief Executive Officer, Development Gateway Foundation. “As first adopters of new technologies, young people in urban areas can often benefit most quickly. As entrepreneurs, they are also critical to spreading the benefits across their communities and to the rest of the world.” In 2005 the award was presented to the ITC eChoupal program in India for its overall contribution to development. eChoupal has helped increase the incomes and productivity of millions of farmers by giving them more direct access to markets, as well as pricing and product information, via village-based Internet kiosks. eChoupal is now expanding its service to include education.
For full award criteria and to access an online application, please go to www.developmentgateway.org/award. The application deadline is August 11.
Share This Post
Related from our library

DG’s Open Contracting Portal Designated as a Digital Public Good
Digital Public Goods Alliance designated DG’s Open Contracting Portal as a digital public good in September 2022. The Portal provides procurement analytics that can be used to improve procurement efficiency and, in turn, reduce corruption and increase impact.

DG at the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF)
Representatives from Development Gateway: an IREX Venture (DG) will be attending the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) from September 5-9 in Kigali, Rwanda to highlight two projects: the Visualizing Insights on African Agriculture (VIFAA) project and the Farmer-Centric Data Governance Models project.

“Data…for What?!:” Expanding into Education, Media/Disinformation & Youth
In Episode 2 of "Data…for What?!," a podcast series from Development Gateway: an IREX Venture (DG) which explores our new strategic plan, Josh Powell met with experts from DG and IREX to discuss DG’s expansion into the education, media and disinformation, and youth sectors. The conversations explore the most pressing challenges and greatest opportunities for data and technology to positively impact these sectors and discuss how these trends are likely to play out in the years ahead. Based on these trends, the experts explain the unique fit for DG’s skills and specific opportunities for collaboration that align with the vision of DG’s partnership with IREX, which has a long and successful history working in each sector.