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UNESCAP News Services
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Date: 11 March 2008
Press Release No. G/05/2008
UN Launches Database of Telecentres in Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) — The Asia-Pacific region is currently home to thousands of telecentres, which provide many communities with their first chance to go online or learn about computer basics. These centres help to improve the lives of many, for instance, by enabling farmers and rural entrepreneurs learn about market trends, business opportunities, and how to market their products.
In order to foster development of these centres, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has launched a Telecentre Online Database. The database, covering more than 12,000 telecentres in 16 countries, aims to support research and the exchange of information among people working in the field of telecentre development.
The database gives researchers a platform for taking stock of telecentre projects in the region. All information can be accessed by typing in key words, advanced searches based on specific criteria or by browsing a specific country or a selected telecentre project. The online database also provides statistical data related to telecentre projects in the region, including the number of telecentres per country and per geographic area.
The Telecentre Online Database is an output of a joint project carried out by the five regional commissions of the UN. The project aims to empower poor and disadvantaged communities -- and women in particular -- through transforming selected telecentres into knowledge hubs of a global knowledge network. These hubs will make it possible for community members to develop, organize, share and disseminate knowledge.
The Telecentre Online Database can be accessed at: http://www.unescap.org/icstd/applications/cec
For more information, please contact:
Clovis Freire
Information, Communication and Space Technology Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-288-1551
Fax: +66-2-288-1085
Email: freire@un.org
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Headquartered in Bangkok, United Nations ESCAP is the largest of the UN's five Regional Commissions in terms of its membership, population served and area covered. The only inter-governmental forum covering the entire Asia-Pacific region, ESCAP works to promote sustainable and inclusive economic and social progress. More information on ESCAP is available at www.unescap.org
