Projects

CITI

In 2001 the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation established a subsidiary organization known as the Clarke Institute for Telecommunications and Information (CITI). The purpose of this unit was to establish new international contacts around the world. In particular, CITI sought to explore how the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation could cooperate with research organizations, universities or governmental agencies so as to use science, technology or information systems to improve world conditions. CITI, in cooperation with NASA and many other organizations put on the Space Education Workshop at George Washington University in 2003 (See SPACE POLICY Fall 2004 for a detailed report on this subject) and is currently pursuing three projects in cooperation with affiliate organizations. In 2004, CITI and its projects were consolidated into the Foundation.

PROJECT WARN in Partnership with the Japan US Science Technology and Space Applications Program (JUSTSAP)

The purpose of Project Warn is combine enhanced communications and IT systems to provide warning of impending natural or man-made disasters and to provide on-going communications and remote sensing and GIS support during disaster relief operations. The Clarke Foundation is working with the Pacific Disaster Center, the Asian Disaster Mitigation Organization, the United Nations, and the US and Japanese Governments as coordinated through the JUSTSAP organization to carry out a suitable test and demonstration in this area. In particular a simulation and test is being planned in the Pacific Region in 2005 to determine to how to use the latest information and sensing technology more effectively in the advent of that a major Tsunami might impact an Asian country or island. Clarke Foundation personnel are providing technical advice and support on a volunteer basis to this project.

THE MILLENNIUM VILLAGE PROJECT in partnership with the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies in Sri Lanka and the Solar Electric Light Fund

The concept of the Millennium Village is to provide a new and innovative approach to the use of modern technology in order to solve rural and remote needs in isolated areas. The specific idea developed by Dr. Joseph N. Pelton of the Clarke Foundation in partnership with Dr. Robert Freling of the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is to combine tele-education, tele-health, renewable solar energy, modern telecommunications and IT systems with economic development and job training so that an integrated and sustainable approach can be taken to rural development. A trial project is being developed in partnership with the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technology in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka with funding support being sought through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A revised proposal is being developed in response to JICA guidelines. Clarke Foundation personnel are providing advice on this project and seeking donation of key equipment.

THE GLOBAL SERVICES TRUST FUND

The advent of broadband communications systems via fiber optic, satellite and wireless terrestrial technology is now allowing for the possibility of education and health care systems to be delivered around the world at affordable cost. The most difficult challenge is accessing the right educational materials or health care providers, but low cost communications systems that can be connected to the most isolated regions is also a key part of the equation since 2 billion people live in areas that are not connected to modern communications systems. The Clarke Foundation is working with the Global University System to make policy leaders around the world aware of the needs and how new technology can assist in the provision of rural services. A book dedicated to this purpose has just been published by UNESCO with Clarke Foundation members contributing to the writing and production of this global analysis. A workshop that would bring together key policy and technical leaders is seen as the next step forward. For more information on this subject one should go to the web site of the Global University System.

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MAYBE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TESTED EARLIER. - LRK -