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Information and Communication for National Reconciliation

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TITLE: Information and Communication for National Reconciliation

SPEAKER: Dr. Michael L. Best

ABSTRACT:

We have been investigating the role of rich new information and communication environments in efforts to restore and reconcile a people or nation destroyed by years of civil strife and conflict. Through an integrated and holistic approach, we have collaboratively designed, implemented, deployed and evaluated interactive environments that support dialogue, deliberation and memory for the resolution of civil conflict. The systems have included rich online web presences, offline interactive multi-modal computer environments, and text and voice based mobile phone systems.

Our current work is in collaboration with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Liberia, though we are exploring new projects, for example with the traditional Cultural Institution of the Acholi people, Northern Uganda. I will report on this ongoing work and try to extend our findings to current and emerging conflicts.

Bio: Dr. Michael L. Best is assistant professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology where he is a research director with their GVU Center. He is also a Fellow of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Professor Best is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Information Technologies and International Development published by the MIT Press. He is a frequent consultant to the World Bank, ITU, and USAID. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and has served as Director of Media Lab Asia in India and head of the eDevelopment group at the MIT Media Lab

Status

  • Workflow Status:Published
  • Created By:Anita Race
  • Created:10/12/2009
  • Modified By:Fletcher Moore
  • Modified:10/07/2016

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