The United Nations Development Progamme is partnering with Motorola Solutions to spearhead an initiative that is expected promote ICT innovators through experience sharing.The initiative, dubbed, International Network of Social Innovators for Human Development, also aims at using mobile technologies to foster human development and empowerment. Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Kigali last week, the Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, commended the move saying it contributes to government’s efforts in promoting ICT.He noted that the network will act as a platform through which innovators in ICT in share experiences to address global challenges.“ICT has the potential to boost our economies and improve the living standards of our people. We want to equip the African youth with these technologies and accelerate our development because we believe that success belongs to those who can innovate and those who seize the available opportunities,” said Laminm M. Manneh, the UN Representative and UNDP Resident Representative. He added that at the global level, UNDP’s reports indicate that young people have enormous potential as agents of change but that at the same time, the world is facing a worsening youth employment crisis.With the network, Motorola Solutions will be in charge of coming up with initiatives not only to address challenges but also coordinate information sharing to enable innovators learn and use technology and findings or solutions from the various countries that will make up the network.“We shall develop incubation labs, come up with financing modules to promote investment; and this will actually be in line with national government programmes to ensure that we work together to achieve a common goal,” said Travis Heneveld, who represented Motorola Solutions at the event.
