19 November 2007
| Yerevan, Armenia
Over 300 college students and young professionals from Armenia, the Region, and around the world met at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan, Armenia between November 19-23, 2007 to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with ensuring sustainable growth in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and hi-tech through the higher education curricula in developing and developed nations. The Forum commenced with the launch of ATHGO's ICTs specialized Advanced Study Center on November 19, 2007 under the auspices of the High office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.
By way of interactive participation in workshops, speaker series, panels, and small group discussions, participants had an opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with their peers from all around the world, as well as with the leaders and professionals responsible for the development and implementation of ICTs in higher education as a means for a successful developmental model.
Objectives of the symposia:
- Introduction and review of the various opportunities and challenges associated with the incorporation of ICTs and hi-tech related curricula in institutions of higher learning and education
- Challenges and opportunities faced by the private sector in the recruitment of individuals for the hi-tech market
- Analysis of innovative ways to further strengthen and develop private sector-university partnerships in an effort to overcome the digital divide
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The participants examined these challenges through the prism of incorporating ICTs and other hi-tech related education into mainstream educational curricula. The program also included discussions about the weaknesses and the strengths of existing and proposed solutions.
One of the primary objectives of the Forum is to produce a resolution that will identify and suggest alternative strategies for addressing the challenges posed by the present digital divide between developing and developed countries. The resolution will be presented to the UN Permanent Missions and other relevant organizations as a recommendation.
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For more information about the ATHGO International Symposia in Yerevan, please visit the detailed project description on the ATHGO website.