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 Information
and communication technologies (ITCs) have radically changed the way
in which knowledge is shared throughout the world. The new means of
examining society through the “Information Society” has defined new
worldwide standards enabling us to transform knowledge into
information. Universities, research centers, and governments have
realized that they must use new state-of-the-art communication
technologies to achieve this objective.
This process began by creating inter-university
networks that eventually covered the national territories of these
countries. Then the networks of neighboring countries were linked and
transcontinental networks were established. Examples of this
development are Internet2 in the United States, based on the Abilene
network platform, and Géant in Europe, based on the DANTE network.
For its part, Latin America did not want to be left
behind and, with support from Europe and Florida International
University (FIU), initiated a process to be included in these
networks. In 2003, the agreement of the Latin American Consortium of
Advanced Networks (CLARA) was signed, which was intended to connect
all of Latin America into a single network.
CLARA, Internet2, and GDLN (Global Development
Learning Network) noted that the merging of all Latin American
countries through technology for development and education should be,
more than a dream, a reality. Consequently, a partnership was
established to support the Latin American countries in this process.
As a first step, a decision was made to hold a series of Global
Dialogues to teach countries, clarify doubts, and reflect on the
challenges posed during the establishment of and linking up to this
type of network.
The First Dialogue on Advanced Research Networks in
Latin America will be held on October 22, 2004, at 10:00 a.m.
in Washington, D.C.,
United States. Panelists: Ana Preston, Program Manager for the
International Program of Internet2, and Florencio Utreras, Vice
President of CLARA, Executive Director of REUNA. Participating
centers: DLC Brazil; University of the Andes, Colombia; Technical
University of Loja, Ecuador; Pontifical Catholic University of Peru;
National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico; and DLC Venezuela.
For more information please go to http://www.gdln.org or
send an
e-mail to the coordinator Mr. Juan Carlos Franco ([email protected]).
Objectives
• To establish a community among the directors of
the national research centers, GDLN, Internet2, and CLARA to promote
dialogue with a view to sharing mutual experiences.
• To create an awareness of the implications and
opportunities of joining or creating national research networks and,
better still, of merging them with CLARA, Internet2, and any other
advanced networks.
Target population
• Directors and coordinators of GDLN centers
• Rectors and senior academic representatives of
universities
• Government representatives involved in
development of the Information Society
• Individuals responsible for the establishment or
management of advanced communication networks in their countries
Juan Carlos Franco R.
LAC GDLN Video Conferencing
The World Bank
e-mail: [email protected]
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