The utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications and e-services in the daily life of all citizens has shown promising results in recent years. Streaming ICTs in traditional services greatly improves efficiency, saves time and effort, speeds up processing, promotes better participation, enhances transparency, facilitates the spread of knowledge, and provides new economic opportunities.

Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are a major player in building the Information Society; their diversity and, often, hands-on approach to various related issues, makes them key players in ensuring equitable and affordable access to ICTs. Moreover, a generally strong presence in rural areas, understanding of cultural diversity and the priorities of indigenous people, are other key elements that strengthen their role for the delivery of e-services to all citizens.

Realising the importance of ICT applications for building the Information Society in our region, the ICT Division at ESCWA organized in July of 2009, an Expert Group Meeting on ICT Applications and e-Service in the Public Sector. During this meeting, participants discussed the challenges facing the development, adoption and delivery of e-services in the public sector. This meeting provided the public sector with an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss ways to overcome these challenges, however, the viewpoints of citizens and communities is still required. In addition, the ICT Division published a study on “Building Trust in e-Services” which highlights the important role of civil society in building the trust and confidence of citizens in the Information Society, and is also planning another study on the Impact of ICT on community development in the ESCWA region.

In-line with the above, a workshop aiming at increasing the awareness, capacities, and capabilities of NGOs in the ESCWA region to develop and use e-commerce services, based on their priorities and development needs, will thus complement ICTD’s activities in this field.

The main objective of the Workshop on Delivery of E-Services in the Civil Society is to increase the awareness, capacities, and capabilities of selected NGOs in the ESCWA region to provide and use e-commerce services, based on the priorities and development needs of citizens and communities. The workshop will exploit the potential that portal technologies and e-commerce applications and services can have on the sustainability of NGOs. It will provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices of selected case studies, as well as encouraging NGOs to join already existing web-based e-commerce applications and services dedicated to increasing their economic opportunities.

Potential participants include regional and international NGOs that mainly target the development of rural communities, artisans and small businesses. Priority will be given to NGOs located in member countries enjoying medium to high ICT penetration rates, and are relatively advanced in the development and use of ICT e-services.

Submissions, inquiries and requests for additional information should be ‎addressed to: 

Mr. Rami Zaatari, IT Officer, ICT Applications Section,  ICT Division, ESCWA, PO Box 11-8575, Beirut, Lebanon, T +961-1-978556, F +961-1-981510 

Ms. Sukaina Al-Nasrawi, Associate IT Officer, ICT Applications Section,  ICT Division, ESCWA, PO Box 11-8575, Beirut, Lebanon, T +961-1-978551, F +961-1-981510