SIL International Media Release

Information Poverty

DALLAS, TX (December 15, 2003) The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the industrial society that marked the 20th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21st century. This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment.

The World Summit on the Information Society convened this December to provide a unique opportunity for all key stakeholders to assemble at a high-level gathering and to develop a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the international community. This summit brought together Heads of State, Executive Heads of United Nations agencies, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, media representatives and civil society in a single high-level event.

SIL took part in the World Summit on the Information Society to show how to tackle “infopoverty” through the promotion of local content and knowledge. Our stand at the Information and Communication Technology for Development exhibition showed how SIL partners with people groups to improve quality of life through language development.

SIL combats information poverty by training people to…

• Develop writing systems for unwritten languages
• Publish content in local languages
• Run literacy programs
• Use local languages in schools

SIL also develops technology to help development workers produce culturally adapted content.