Impacting poverty with new technology

The talk, entitled " Computers, mobiles and the internet: can they make a difference to the lives of poor people?" is being given by Professor Tim Unwin.
Professor Unwin will address some of the key questions surrounding technology and poverty, such as: what we need technology for, who we think of as being poor in the UK and abroad, and what are their information and communication needs?

He will analyse the pros and cons of different technologies, assess the impact of recent ICT4D initiatives, and highlight some challenges and limitations of using ICTs for development.

The lecture is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, and is hosted by the Humanitarian Centre as part of their year-long programme of ICT4D-themed events and activities.

The free, public lecture will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 17th March, Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

Professor Tim Unwin is UNESCO Chair in ICT4D, Director of the ICT4D Collective and Professor of Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is also Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Over the last decade his research has concentrated on information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development, focusing on the use of ICTs to support people with disabilities and to empower out-of-school youth.

His latest collaborative book, entitled simply ICT4D, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2009.

The Humanitarian Centre is a Cambridge-based network for international relief and development. The Centre provides topical events, networking opportunities, training courses and practical support for individuals and organisations.