This
month there is an ongoing, passionate debate, but
the debaters do not know each other. They are corresponding
through the Web, discussing what they hope the
Earth Summit 2002 will achieve, in thoughtful pieces
that are posted online and reviewed by the UNED.
Architects,
NGO's and professors alike are contributing ideas
and strategies for sustaining development. Participants
from over 75 countries have already joined the debate.
"I think it is
very encouraging to
see that there are
people all over the
world who share similar
concerns and people
are keen to learn from
each other," Project
Coordinator for UNED
Jasmin Enayati said.
The idea is to attract
more communities and
reach more people through
a multi-media project,
exploring worldwide
globalization and social
development. The Television
Trust for the Environment
asked global film makers
for documentaries highlighting
the impact of globalization
on issues covered by
the Earth Summit. Everyone
from rappers in Sao
Paulo to a Buddhist
monks are covered in
the documentaries,
that are shown on the
Web site, www.lifeonline.org,
and broadcasted on
BBC World in an effort
to engage people all
over the world in seeing
what has already been
done.
When
asked whether an
online approach
could really be the
best way for involving
people on the grassroots
level, Enayati said," There's
no chance denying the
digital divide, however,
considering the limited
budget we are operating
with, I am still amazed
about the large and
diverse group of people
we are able to reach."
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