US goes virtual to solve world’s problem

Mar 29, 2010 News

…local embassy urges participation
The US Government has launched an ambitious virtual project that hopefully will see thousands of persons logging online from tomorrow to discuss and offer solutions to some of the global problems.
Ten main areas which include women and girls to education to climate change to health issues, will be discussed throughout the three-day event, the US Embassy of Georgetown said yesterday.
Mission Director of the United States Agency For International Development (USAID), Carol Horning, at a press conference at the Pegasus Hotel Friday, said the “Global Pulse 2010” initiative is backed by the administration of US President Barack Obama.
Using Facebook, Twitter and other websites, loggers will be able to see, hear and read comments and suggestions to some of the globe’s most pressing problems, the official said.
“Created to enable listening, learning and sharing of ideas, this initiative marks the commitment of the US to meeting the challenges of the 21st century by working toward universal goals in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders,” a statement from the USAID said yesterday of the Global Pulse 2010.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator, of USAID, is quoted as saying that the US wanted to hear from the ordinary people who are not normally seated at the table with key decision makers.
“To meet our collective challenges, we must take advantages of new technologies that allow us to engage in dialogue with individuals and communities from around the globe.”
Several top US leaders from the government, private industry, and civil society organisations along with influential individuals will be participating to help host the interactive session, Horning said.
“Global Pulse 2010” is sponsored by USAID in partnership with the Departments of State, Education, Commerce, Health and Human Services.

Mission Director of the USAID Guyana, Carol Horning, looks on as Christopher Goodridge, a volunteer, signs up to access the discussion room on Facebook.

Topics that will also be discussed included partnerships, political and civil rights, business, science, technology and innovation, and the pursuit of grand challenges.
According to Horning yesterday, the forum would be a splendid opportunity for Guyana to highlight the impact of the climate change since on a global level, this is engaging the attention of authorities.
Persons interested in participating can visit www.globalpulse2010.gov.