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Summary: The Youth Forum aimed to provide a platform
for young participants to share their views and
perceptions regarding the “PEACE and
ICT Research Project” currently being carried
out by thirteen young researchers from eleven
different countries.
2 July 2005, Peshawar, Pakistan - A Youth Discussion Forum took place in
support of the Human Network PEACE and ICT Research Project.
Coordinated by Farah Mahmood of Human Network in collaboration with
Qamar Naseem of Blue Veins, in Peshawar (also the principal sponsors for
the event) the Youth Forum aimed to provide a platform for young
participants to share their views and perceptions regarding the “PEACE
and ICT Research Project” currently being carried out by thirteen young
researchers from eleven different countries.
The basic aim of the research initiative including the definitions of Peace,
conflict and concepts like Digital Divide and ICT (Information and
Communication Technology) were explained briefly by Farah Mahmood,
who is coordinating the research in Pakistan.
The basic aim of Human Network, PEACE and ICT Research Project was
stated as to analyse and identify possible relationships between conflicts
and the set of technological and educational inequalities known as the
digital divide. The research will also examine the peace-building potential
associated with bridging the digital divide. She also presented a few
practical solutions for bridging the digital divide and how students can play
a more active part in the society.
The presentation was followed by a discussion initiated by Shaheed
Soherwordi, who is currently teaching at Edinburgh University Scotland. He
briefly discussed literacy and the digital divide situation in Pakistan.
In general the participants couldn’t think of any possibility of ICT4PEACE
because of lack of awareness about the full potential of ICTs but as the
discussion grew warmer, several ideas of youth acting for positive image of
the country were put forward by the participants.
The Youth Forum served as a platform for young people to better
understand the concept of Digital Divide and also raised awareness among
them to think about the possible connection of peace building with
different social divides, digital divide being one of them.
Different sets of questions categorised as Digital Divide, ICT Accessibility,
ICT and Peace process in Pakistan were put in front of the young
participants. One of the points agreed upon during the discussion was
that ICTs are vital for development. Some participants also expressed their
views that lack of ICT accessibility is perhaps responsible for conflicts.
Another point raised during the discussion was that misunderstanding and
lack of knowledge have created certain stereotypical images of people from
a certain sector of the society or a certain location not only with reference
to Pakistan but globally and that this problem is an important component
for fueling conflicts and hatred. ICTs in this situation were viewed as the
most effective tool for building understanding and tolerance. Some of the
other topics covered in the discussion were ICT and Terrorism and the
need for educational reforms.
Basic Discussion Questions
1. “The Digital Divide is best defined as the gap between those who have
and are effectively using ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
and those who do not have or have but not using it effectively.” How
would you describe the “digital divide” with reference to Pakistan? Also
had you ever heard of the term before?
2. Do you think those who can effectively use these modern Information
and Communication tools have an edge over those who can’t use such
technologies? What are the advantages?
3. You think there is an accessibility (in terms of ICT) difference between
different social groups (like some people are rich, powerful and influential
compared to others) in Pakistan? Why you it is so? What measures would
you suggest government should take to reduce this difference?
4. How does this accessibility difference (access or lack of active access
to ICTs) among different social groups contribute to inequality (in terms of
opportunity, power, economic competitiveness, educational potential etc.)
in Pakistan?
5. You think there is a developmental divide among the four provinces of
Pakistan? Why is it so? Can it/has it raised conflicts?
6. What would you call the most evident internal conflict in Pakistan? Is
there a possibility of including ICT to create better understanding and
avoid internal conflicts?
7. Is there any part ICTs can play in development? ICT4D
8. Do ICTs have any downsides (that will directly effect the peace conflict
situation)?
9. You think Digital Divide has something to do with the Pakistan India
conflict?
10. Suggest a peaceful solution for Kashmir conflict, Can modern
communication tools be a part of it?
11. How can youth contribute positively for Kashmir conflict?
12. Does the Pakistani ICT industry have flaws (in terms of accessibility or
otherwise) in it?
13. How can youth contribute towards promoting a positive image of
Pakistan?