Impacting poverty with new technology

A leading expert on technology and development will discuss the impact of new technologies on poverty, in a public lecture, today (Thursday 17, March). 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.