Managing the web communication for the third humanitarian congress in Vienna I had the chance to attend Paul Conneally’s speech.
Paul Conneally is Head of Communication, ITU International Telecommunication Union
Paul Coneally has highlighted 3 key opportunities for mobile application in humanitarian aid.
“Prepaid electricity is one of the biggest gain change that could happen in Africa in the next years… »
Through electronic prepaid meter, customers can monitor the electricity consumption everyday and every moment. They can see the remaining kWh on the meter display. When they feel the usage of electricity is uncontrolled, customers can decrease the use of electricity.
That system is fast becoming South Africa’s easiest way of being connected to the electricity grid.
Paul Conneally see a great opportunity for humanitarian and developmental organizations to get involved in provided prepaid electricity…
Mobile banking
Mobile banking allows customers of a financial institution to conduct their financial transactions through a mobile device.
Paul Conneally says :
“Connecting the on-bank can stimulate the economy.”
“Mobile banking can become a reality across borders.”
“People don’t need bank, they need banking.”
M learning
With an unexpected comparison Paul Conneally shows the way mobile can help people in teaching and learning.
« One major innovation wich transform education was the school bus. It allowed students to be transported to bigger schools to be segmented into different class rooms where more tailored education could be given to children.
With mobile you can now dream of bringing quality learning to helpcare workers. It connects them as a community and this community is a very powerful resource for the ministry of help and for humanitarian organisations. in trying to understand really what the issue are n underground and engaging that extraordinarily important community in your work. »
He moderates these opportunities pointing out the risk of marginalisation: “There is a risk to excluding people. Digital inclusion should be at the core of your mandate.”
Video of the speech