Our Common Humanity in the Information Age. Principles and Values for Development

§ ICTs can promote socio-cultural empowerment such as freedom of movement, 
visibility in public spaces and positive media images of women. Women who have 
learned computer skills are often seen as wordly, as being a source of information 

---

76 | Our Common Humanity in the Information Age 
and mastering a sophisticated device. Women can also use ICTs to confront cultural 
taboos and challenge cultural prescriptions; 
§ ICTs can help fight violence against women as shown by Take back the Tech, a 
campaign launched by the Association for Progressive Communication - a CONGO 
member. The idea is that violence against women and the gender digital divide stem 
from the same source: the unequal power relations between men and women. 
Rallying itself to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, 
launched by the Centre for Women Global Leadership - also a CONGO member -
women and girls all over the world are exhorted, from 25 November to 10 
December, to use ICTs to denounce acts of violence committed against women in the 
household and to reshape, redefine, participate, use and share all aspects related to 
ICTs that to date have been defined mainly by men; 
§ Finally ICTs, particularly the internet, can help women NGOs network, join forces 
and achieve synergies to hold governments accountable to the promises they have 
made in terms of gender equality, women’s empowerment and the MDGs. As shown 
by the last example, the internet’s potential to launch campaigns, exchange 
experiences and grow stronger has largely been demonstrated.
Closing the gender digital divide is certainly one of the most promising ways to empower 
women and help them take their fate in their own hands to achieve gender equality.
ACHIEVING EQUALITY T HROUGH TOURISM
Dho Young-Shim, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, UNWTO ST-EP 
Foundation
Forming global partnerships is essential in fighting poverty, working towards a shared 
future, and fostering the hope that all humanity will live in peace and prosperity. This 
hope is the backbone of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which 
include the desire to reduce extreme poverty by the year 2015. Some might question 
whether or not setting such a lofty goal is realistic. But, from life experience, I can assure 
you that what may seem impossible now, can become a reality with hard work, 
cooperation and diligence. When I was born in South Korea, it was a Least Developed 
Country (LDC), with a per capita income of a little over $100 per year. But now I enjoy 

---

Chapter IV – Equality and Opportunity | 77 
living in a country with the world’s 12th largest economy and a per capita income of 
$16,000. Korea’s success is the world’s proof that perseverance truly can pay off!
How can we ensure that hope is fostered globally, especially in the world’s poorest 
regions? After traveling internationally for nearly four decades, to the world’s poorest 
and richest destinations, I have come to realize that one of the most viable tools that can 
be used in the fight against poverty is tourism, for three simple reasons: First, sustainable 
tourism projects can be developed without needing large amounts of infrastructure. 
Secondly, tourism provides jobs for those who are most vulnerable to poverty - women 
and youth. Indeed, this ties directly with the 3
rd
Millennium Development Goal, which 
aims to “promote gender equality and empower women”; and finally, a large amount of 
time is not required to start a tourism project. In some of the poorer areas of Africa, 
where 50% of the population is under the age of 18, tourism can offer these young adults 
employment and educational opportunities.
Tourism’s potential is still greater than most people realize. Despite various terrorist 
attacks, devastating hurricanes and the tsunami aftermath, worldwide international tourist 
travels continue to increase, exceeding 800 million for the first time in 2005. Even more 
encouraging is that Africa is the world’s leader in terms of tourism growth, with a 10.6% 
increase this year.
In order to harness this immense potential, the United Nations World Tourism 
Organization created the ST-EP Foundation. ST-EP’s mission is intimately tied to the 
Millennium Development Goals and its work aims to alleviate poverty through 
developing sustainable tourism projects in Least Developed Countries. This year the ST-
EP Foundation is supporting several projects and total funding will reach approximately 
820,000 USD. The assurances of environmental, socio-cultural and economic 
sustainability are the basis for all of these projects. For example, in West Africa we have 
the “Network of Cross-border National Parks and Protected areas” project, which 
involves nine countries in total, including: Benin, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, 
Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Conducted in partnership with the Islamic 
Conference Organization (ICO) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development 
(NEPAD), this project will support and protect biodiversity at the national and sub-
regional levels.
Promoting tourism in Least Developed Countries through ICT will not only offer 
economic benefits, but will also encourage learning and friendship among different 
cultures, races, and religions. In July 2006 an agreement was signed between the UN 
World Tourism Organization and Microsoft Corporation to utilize the potential of ICT in 

---

78 | Our Common Humanity in the Information Age 
the tourism industry. Through the creation of a new portal called “Windows on Africa” 
showcasing the continent in a globally competitive manner, will quickly become a reality.
Tourism’s potential to fight poverty is especially great when it is combined with sports. 
Communications technology made it possible for an incredible 4.5 billion people to 
watch the World Cup Finals in 2006, and I wonder how so much of the world’s attention 
can be used to serve a common good in 2010. What will be the legacy of the 2010 World 
Cup in South Africa? The UNWTO is currently researching ways to create strategic 
partnerships involving the World Cup preparation camps and hope that package tours will 
make it possible for the entire continent to be explored and enjoyed.
Tourism, like no other industry, has the ability to empower women and men while 
increasing tolerance and equality among global neighbors. Developing sustainable 
tourism projects in LDCs will help to ensure a shared future for all humanity.