The DOT force and GKP consultations on bridging the digital divide, Lary Forgy, World Bank

Abstract
The G8 has commissioned a year-long consultation by the Digital Opportunity Task Force on what measures should be undertaken to bridge the digital divide. The DOT Force produced a 9 point action plan that may provide the basis for G8 resource allocations to ICT activities in the future. This consultation has produced a formal report and a significant amount of additional material, both supporting and critical of the DOT Force positions. The GKP's contributions to this process focused on issues of inclusion of disadvantaged populations, including rural, women, and youth, and on better utilization of local resources and local appropriation of ICTs.

Biography:
Larry Forgy is a consultant to the World Bank specializing in issues related to ICTs and economic development. He is the former Work Program Administrator for the infoDev Program, and has worked extensively with the Bank and USAID for the last 10 years. He is an economist by training.