AMARC AT THE GK3 GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE CONFERENCE

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The 3rd Global Knowledge Conference (GK3) – was one of the most important knowledge sharing and creative development conferences in the world – It was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 -13 December 2007. Themed "Emerging People, Emerging Markets, Emerging Technologies," GK3 promises to be a dynamic event focused on the future GK3 explored concrete solutions and possibilities within the inter-play, interface and interweaving of issues related to the Knowledge for Development (K4D) and Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) in the context of our globally evolving societies, economies and technologies worldwide. The multi-stake holder Conference gathered more than 1500 participants from all over the world to reflect on ICT4D and on knowledge and information sharing as the way of the future for a truly democratic and inclusive information society.

AMARC REINFORCED ICT4D THROUGH COMMUNITY RADIO

The World Association of Community Radio broadcasters (AMARC) activities at the GK3 Event on the Future, strengthened ICT for development and knowledge sharing through the Community Radio movement. The AMARC delegation of more than 45 community radio journalists from all over the world participated in the discussions and covered the event. They also showcased CR at a booth in the exhibition hall and through live radio broadcasting for the GK3 participants.

Coverage of Debates at the GK3 Through the Community Radio Network

Radio coverage of the highlights of the workshops, discussions and experiences shared at the conference was broadcasted live at the GK3 Conference giving voice to civil society organisations taking part in the proceedings, and will provide alternative coverage of what will be provided by the mainstream media. The material is available below this note for further use by CR or people visiting the AMARC website. Training for trainers’ sessions and mentoring habilitated CR journalists to use ICTs for reporting from the GK3 and to use AMARC content exchange platforms. The radio coverage enhanced the capacity of Community Radio journalists to inform on the challenges of the information society for community radio audiences.

Seminar on Women Empowerment through Community Radio

AMARC Women International Network held a seminar on “Women empowerment and good governance through Community Radio”. This seminar was part of an action research process intended to reinforce the role of community radio in good governance, conflict resolution, democracy building and social justice. The participants shared best experiences on women empowerment through CR, highlighting ICTs contribution to knowledge sharing processes throughout the community radio movement. The seminar consisted on testimonials from grassroots organisations from INdia, Fiji, Mexico, Ghana, Jordan and many others, on how Women in Community Radio have contributed to conflict resolution, ensuring accountability of government programs, on empowering women to be represented in local governance and public processes.

Background Papers on Women and Good Governance

Seminar Governance audio

Women Rights and Gender Equality Impact Assessment and Planning for 2008

The Women International Network, an open membership based network of journalists and stakeholders gathered to discuss and asses the impact of community radio on women’s rights, and their plans for 2008 at the global level and particularly in 2008 They identified key issues and set priorities for the work of the network for major campaigns to be carried out in 2008, including promotion of International Women’s Day, March 8, and the “16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence”, -- November 25th to December 10th -- which marks an international campaign when women’s organisations, grassroots activists and human rights defenders all over the world coordinate their efforts to raise awareness on all forms of violence against women. AMARC and, in particular, AMARC’s International Women’s Network (WIN), will celebrate these important days as women broadcasters across the world collaborate and co-ordinate efforts to gather, synthesise, and disseminate information about these landmark campaigns.

AP Meeting GK3 audio

International Meeting GK3 I audio

International Meeting GK3 II audio

AMARC Asia Pacific Region Planning for 2008

The GK3 was an extraordinary opportunity for CR practitioners from Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia among others, to share experiences with their counterparts from Africa, the Americas and Europe; to define strategies to advocate for the recognition and for the establishment of legal enabling environment for CR. In a region where freedom of expression and communication rights are frequently attacked or limited by armed conflict AMARC delegates expressed their solidarity with journalists and human rights activists recently detained in Malaysia and called the government for their liberation without charges. AMARC Asia Pacific is the youngest among the AMARC Regions, as it was created in 2003 and formalized in November 2005. With the breakthrough in the recognition of community radio in India, AMARC has made a priority to develop new stations across the continent, and to pressure the Indian government to widen the range of activities that can be carried out by the broadcasters. In addition, plans will be discussed for the establishment of a network across the region that will see AMARC monitor threats to free expression at community stations. Furthermore, the Indonesian members met to reinforce the AMARC Network in Indonesia and reinforce Community radio particularly in relation with Disaster prevention and management.

Documents for the GK 3 Activities

Background Papers on Women and Good Governance

Training on use of ICT for Community Radio Campaigns

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