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Youth Utilization of ICT as A Tool for Peace Building Achieving Millennium Development Goals and Integration of the West Africa Sub-Region.

Introduction
In the present day global economy, information and knowledge have become strategic resources, upon which government, private sector corporations and the public at large make their decisions overall economic and social development of a nation can easily and beneficially be accelerated through the adaptation, assimilation, internalization, innovation and invention of new technologies. ICTs are now the bedrock for national survival and development in a rapidly changing global environment.

The availability of accurate up-to-date information created and disseminated through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has decisive impact on peoples' lives and on the socio-economic development of a country as a whole. Societies that have created an enabling ICT environment are experiencing revolutionary effect, especially in the areas of Governance, Education, Health, Agriculture, Disaster, Management, Peace-building, Economic and Social integration. Consequently, citizens are now more empowered, can change the equilibrium of power, make informed choices and create opportunities that impact positively on their future. With the increasing interest on the deployment of information and communication technology in the global information environment, there is not doubt that ICT has now provided unparalleled facilities and opportunities for developing countries to leap frog into the information age and enjoy the benefit for socio-economic development.
It has therefore become highly imperative to fully integrate the West African sub-region in the global information society. Knowledgeable management in the sub-region will lead to an environment where knowledge creation is encouraged, nurtured, rewarded and exploited in order to achieve youth empowerment, value re-orientation, employment generation, wealth creation and improvement in the sub-region's economic indicators.

It is pertinent to state that the West Africa sub-region has not taken the full advantage of ICTs revolution because adequate facilities have not been made available. Member states have embarked on ICT initiatives based on their national priority and what they could afford. While the impact of the information revolution is tremendous, the existing infrastructure, social-economic, cultural, and political situations pose major difficulties in introducing, implementing and diffusing the new technologies for internetworking. The technology and funds are not necessarily the major inhibiting factors, but the political will does not seem to be vigorously pursued in the sub region hence, we still find ourselves in a state of isolation and stagnation. Whereas, if we could seize these opportunities of the new information and communication technology, they will allow the region to fight disease, poverty and ignorance in all directions.
The world has gone digital and computer compliant. Youth are being encouraged to get involved in computer appreciation and see it as a working tool. Information and communication technologies can be huge aids in the effort to build lasting peace by helping people do the following:

a) Communicate;
b) View information Date;
c) Make decisions; and
d) Understand each other's views

A great deal of human suffering is linked to violent conflicts, political instability, or unjust policies and practices mostly due to lack of communication and information. Short term reliefs and crisis interventions are sometimes not enough and or come too late to resolve any conflict.
There is also the awareness of the need for post conflict reconciliation, development of capacity for conflict resolution, and the building of sustainable peace, Information Communication Technology tools that can be used for peace building are computers, internet, mobile phones. In order for the youths to use or utilize ICT as a tool for peace building, and achieve the Millennium Development Goals and Integration of the West African Sub-region, we need the following:

i. Adequate IT infrastructure;
ii. West Africa has to be connected to the global web infrastructure;
iii. Transparency of governance;
iv. Enlightenment of the people about the value and benefits of IT; and
v. Young people must adopt information technology as tools of personal and societal development and a way of life.
Peace building is not created with a onetime act. True peace is built over time. Activities can be as diverse as alternative dispute resolution e.g. arbitration, mediation, negotiation, negotiation, conflict prevention etc. these peace building methods target both the root causes of a conflict and the violence that may result.

2.0 Applications of ICT In Peace Building
The following instances will determine the type of Technology tool used.

2.1 Providing Information
In this instance, information can be shared through the internet which enables peoples to connect with one another. It serves as a tool to bringing people together. An internet access means a great flow of information to a wide world population. However, it must be noted that connectivity is a major hindrance in most parts of rural Africa.
Mobile phones also play a greater part in the flow of information. More people are having access to mobile phones these days due to the availability of GSM phones. They form part of the Mobile Technology which has enhanced the delivery of messages even to the villages and other remote areas.

E-mail discussion groups of forums can connect communities and encourage ongoing conversations. This type of media improves the quality of known associates or help to create new partners who believe in a common goal.
Chart rooms are now solid forms of communications. It is also a reliable method of facilitating anonymous recorded group discussions over the internet. With a skilled facilitator, negotiations can result in resolutions.

Radio stations are now broadcasting via the internet. This has greatly changed the way radio has reached the people for good. In many communities, radio is the only link to the outside world. Contents can be aimed at peace building in the Community.

2.2 Processing Information
Information is data or messages that are understood. A good website can be both a source of information and a filter of information. A good portal can be peace building tool by being a catalyst for private people to tab into the right networks and organizations whose work is making peace around the world. The portals can empower civil society and other organizations to share information and strengthen their work within the community.
· Data visualization tools: This will make it possible to understand and clarify massive amounts of Data.

· Virtual Command Centres can also allow many people spread across different places to look at the same information. This technology is not yet prevalent in Africa. It can be obtained.

· Online Dispute Resolution Centres: Tools that map out the conflict and influences on each party to debate, negotiate and mediate to get to consensus.

2.3 Supporting Relationships
ICT can be a tremendous help to those trying to maintain or form new relationships because of the ability to communicate through e-mail, photos, sound clips and even video clips. Web cameras can keep people connected regardless of distance. Some of the tools or web technologies used for these kinds of social networking are; my space, change, org, linked etc.
Another good tool is online collaboration where coworkers or others allow different people to share files or teams to have shared workspaces which allow team work.

2.4 Assisting people to understand each other
Understanding of other people and their culture can be challenging. A global village also came with differences and concerns. Different languages ICT can help in some of these challenges. Translation software can make a lot of difference reducing language barriers while trying to settle a conflict. Understanding each other is key ingredient in peace building.
Other ways ICT can help build peace is sometimes through advance systems by predictive analysis, e.g. Alarm Systems or Alert Systems for prevention. The news media giving disenfranchised or oppressed people a voice ICT can also be used in locating and tracking fighters' movements drones. It can create peace keepers' ability to see in extreme bad weather conditions and help detecting mines during conflicts.
Technology by itself cannot create peace but can create the enabling environment or facilitate the process. It can also allow people to be their best in building peace by communicating better, understanding the current situation, visualize the implications of their actions, understand each other's point of view and form meaningful relationships even with people far away from them.
Technology can cut both ways; the enemies of peace and promoters of conflict have also learned to use the intent to communicate globally, spread propaganda, raise funds and coordinate action. Thus assessing ways to use ICT in the service of peace building is a major factor focus of work.

3.0 ICT as a tool in Achieving Millennium Development Goals
The Millennium Development Goals are as follows:
i) To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
ii) Achieve universal primary education;
iii) Promote gender equality and empower women;
iv) Reduce child mortality;
v) Improve maternal health;
vi) Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases;
vii) Ensure environmental sustainability; and
viii) Develop a global partnership for development.

ICT can greatly enhance the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by applying it appropriately. To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger must be followed by the political will change. Poverty comes about in most cases due to lack of opportunities. In most developing countries, jobs are not available for the citizens. In some countries, governments cannot create jobs for the people, or lack even the means to do so. While some government lacks the vision to create jobs, others lack good governance and transparency. Faulty policies also add to extreme poverty and hunger. ICT can help in the area of information sharing. Governments should invest in ICT to connect the rural and urban area to enable information to flow. A well informed society is a society that is ready to eradicate hunger. When people are aware of where to get help, they usually do. There may be government programs or even international aids available but without the information going round, the citizens will not know. Information distribution is a key to eradicating poverty and hunger. Farmers in the rural areas also need to know what their counterparts are doing in advance countries and how they too can improve their harvest. Some key ICT tools for this information sharing are Telephone lines, internet connectivity, radio information sources, and media. Government educational programs can also transfer information to the targeted audience.

3.1 Achieve Universal Primary Education
In some advance countries, it is a law that any child of school age must be in school. In fact, in some states in the USA, if your child is not in school, the parents can be punished for it. It is the duty of the government to come up with policies that will achieve this goal. However, ICT can also enhance both the policies and the monitoring of the Act. The government must start by registering all the citizens of the country or formulate a system whereby all citizens will be accounted for. This can be achieved through birth registration. A good database system should be established for this purpose.
Universal primary education can be achieved through massive government and private sector cooperation programs. A good training program for teacher and teachers' aides also can be established. ICT brings clarity in universal education all over the world. Communication tools have made this possible. Class rooms are better due to computers. Children’s learning pattern improves when they are exposed to other children in other parts of the world. Communication tools have made this possible. Class rooms are better due to computers. Children learn faster with computers. Games in computers also bring out their interest in school. There is a clear need for government to invest on ICT tools in schools if these goals are to be met by the year 2015.

3.2 Gender Equality
Gender equality and empowerment of women are some of the high priorities for most governments in this information age. Once again, governments should promote policies that will end discrimination on women. In countries where women are looked at as second class, should embark on intensive educational programs aiming to encourage equality for all. Create opportunities for women to study science subjects as the male students. How can ICT be used to empower women and promote equality? ICT can open doors that were shut years ago. There are women support groups all over the internet. Information is made available now about education, fiscal and monetary issues that men use to dominate. Distance learning has made it possible for people to learn at their private time. Women are able to work and go to school now.
There is no excuse now for government not to provide IT infrastructure for everyone to be empowered. ICT has also given government a great tool to be informed about global women issues. The rights of women in a working environment, glass ceiling issues and sexual harassment are things that degrade women. ICT can also be used to empower women through e-mails and online collaborations where women sex education are thought. Information is shared about laws empowering women. Education for women should be emphasized at all time. That is the way Government can ensure gender equality and also empower women. Collecting Data of entrepreneurship, education of women, partnership building and knowledge-sharing are ways modern Technologies are used to build human capacity of women.

3.3 Reduce Child Mortality
Child mortality refers to the death of infants and children under the age of five. About 26,000 young children die every day, mainly from preventable causes (wikipedia) ICT can be of help especially in the area of referrals. Knowing good hospital in a region or city is vital. A good information system can provide facts about reliable data for effective planning and decision making. In the area of service provision, ICT can enable doctors to have the patient information through the integration of clinical information across the health care system and match resources for correct treatment. These activities can easily be done with a connection to a network using the internet. Government can also help with connectivity and power efficiency. Reducing child mortality is a matter of using the right tools around us and ICT training.
Improving Maternal Health means making good health care policies and follow ups. Aiding and accessing health care provides to help with service delivery. There are various ICT tools to use including date services. Data collecting and information distribution are key instruments outreach workers conducting surveys and relating information to appropriate sectors of health management, government and private health equipments that are compatible for ICT. Online health searching is another way of improving maternal health. Most research institutions are available online reachable by a click. Information is available for young mothers to get facts about their infants and for them regarding any health issue. The internet is a major source of information for fighting HIV/AIDS and many other diseases. The fight for HIV/AIDS is not only providing drugs but also providing the needed information for support groups to meet and plan for future treatments. Social networking groups also compile forms of treatments that work around the world and furnish that information for people to make informed choices. These social groups also monitor infection rates from mother to child transmission of HIV and publish such information in the internet. Doctors are also using ICT tools to recommend preventive behaviours and the evaluation of effective disease control.

3.4 Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
One of the most serious environmental challenges is the lack of relevant ICT tools to manage the environment. Oil spillages have gotten worse due to lack of strong environment management. ICT can make a valuable contribution to sustainable environmental management by improving, monitoring and response systems. ICT enables better understanding of climate change, monitoring of ecological conditions, and coastal issues. Computer imaging can be used to map out land degradation hot sports. In other instance, ICT has also been used to monitor and responded to environmental disasters in developing countries. A good example of this is satellite images being used to direct rescue missions and GPS systems to facilitate weather and soil monitoring (Global Forest Watch).

3.5 Develop a Global Partnership for Development
Multi-stakeholder partnership on measuring ICT for development was launched in June 2004. Current partners EUROSTAT, ITU, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Institute for Statistics, the UN, World Bank etc.
Some of the major objectives of the partnerships are to:
i) Achieve a common set of core ICT indicators, to be harmonized and agreed upon internationally, which will constitute the basis for database on ICT statistics.
ii) Enhance the capacities of national statistical offices in developing countries and build competence to develop statistical compilation programmes on the information society, based on internally agreed upon indicators.
iii) Develop a global database on ICT indicators accessible via internet.

3.5.1 Integration of the West African Sub-region
Integration is the process of combing two or more things so that they work together e.g. information. Interoperability is the ability of ICT systems and the business processes they support to exchange data and enable the sharing of information and knowledge. The question is, how can ICT be used to integrate the West Africa sub-region? Coordination between various levels of government in West Africa will require strong interoperability to e-Government Systems in order to be able to network successfully, especially for the realization of one government.
This integration can result in better understanding and cooperation, leading to the desired development of the region. A technical realization of these benefits have been enunciated by the AU, proposing and implanting a regional integration platform aimed at tackling issues of education, health service delivery & collaboration. The project involves use of ICT in connecting all the associating components by either cable or satellite connections. Such can be replicated in the West Africa sub-region.
However, these technological developments come with daunting challenges. These include our lack of ICT infrastructure, security of information, and political stability and the appreciated distrust amongst member states.

4.0 Youths and ICT
Despite all the aforementioned, it must be noted that ICT is not an end in itself, rather is a means to an end. The deployment of the best ICT infrastructures in any society does not necessarily or automatically translate to achievement of the desired result without the necessary human capital to make them work. The need to adequately equip our youths who constitute the largest percentage of our population on the use of technologies to achieve peace, the MDGs and integration in the West African region can therefore not be over-emphasized.
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) recognizes the enormous roles of ICTs in youth empowerment and concluded as follows:
· That children and young people are very appropriate target group for ICTs initiatives as they are very enthusiastic about new technologies and quick to learn new skills.
· Despite their motivation, it is expedient for knowledgeable adults to support their experience with ICTs
· Provision of access of ICT and ensuring its effective use for teaching and learning.
· ICTs to be utilized as delivery mechanisms to hitherto neglected areas.
· Youths ICTs initiatives could be used to address issues ranging from basic education and HIV/AIDS prevention amongst others.
Information and Communication Technology is recognized to be a very potent tool for Peace building and achieving the MDGs because modern communication tools rely on the fundamentals of ICT for functionality; not only is ICT a global phenomena, also its devices and applications such as mobile phones, computers and the use of internet services amongst others contribute in making the world a global digital village. According to Kofi Annan, the immediate past Secretary-General of the United Nations: “The new technologies that are changing our world are not a panacea or a magic bullet, but they are, without doubt, enormously powerful tools for development. They create jobs. They are transforming education, health care, commerce, politics and more. They can help in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and even contribute to peace and security.”
It is therefore obvious that the application of ICT is one of the most effective weapons in the struggle toward the reduction and eventually the elimination of abject poverty throughout world. Also, the value of ICT in peace-building and achieving development goals is even more evident now than has ever been postulated in the past, especially with regard to modern advances in the sector.
In the area of Peace building, ICT tools have been deployed as crisis and conflict management system and are recognized worldwide. Initiatives such as ICT 4 PEACE have been setup to contribute towards world peace through the use of field based evidence on the importance of accurate data and information in post disaster and post conflict situations. ICT can be used in many ways for the protection and advocacy of human rights. Use din many ways for the protection and advocacy of human rights. Recent experience in Sri Lanka suggests that a regime increasingly savvy in ICT for its own propaganda raises the stakes for human rights defenders and civil society to present well documented cases for international and local human rights advocacy. A context of increasing human rights abuse and violence also makes it imperative for organizations to collaborate, with interoperable system.
In addition, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set quantitative targets for basic development agenda to be achieved by 2015.

4.1 Youth Empowerment through ICTs

It is obvious that a lot would have to be put in place adequate ICT infrastructure including political support from policy makers for our youths to make the desired impact in peace building, achieving the MDGs and sub-regional integration. Concerted effort should be geared towards empowering them through developing their knowledge to build the critical mass of ICT personnel preparatory to making our sub-region a key player in the global information society. This is in realization of the fact that adequate human capital development will create opportunity for them to leverage the use of ICT for achieving peace and MDGs in the sub region.
Human resource is one of the most critical and profitable resources needed by a nation for peace, development and socio-economic integration. Human resource development is wealth creation. This all important development can be carried out through the following strategies.
i. Making the use of IT mandatory at all levels of educational institutions
ii. Provision of necessary ICT infrastructures through public-private partnership
iii. Access to research information
iv. Access to teaching materials.
v. Participation in collaborative research
vi. Stimulation of the development of an ICT culture
vii. Massive awareness campaign through workshops, seminars, training and conferences on the important of youths in achieving peace, MDGs and sub-regional integration in all member states of the West Africa sub-region.
5.0 Conclusion
Information and Communication technologies have been applied in all walks of life, resulting in better collaboration, unity, transparency, improved service delivery, etc. specific sectoral applications have seen it used as peace building tools, achieving the Millennium Development Goals which are purely developmental, and as a tool for integration of nations to form a common platform at tackling problems of under-development, and benefit from economies of scale.
However, such glowing attributes to use ICT does not mean there are no challenges. The challenges are barely infrastructural, capacity building and misuse or disuse of same service by malicious individuals / tools.
My candid advice is for youths to channel their energies at identifying and using the aspects that would be beneficial to society.
Technology is today an important factor in the socio-economic growth and development of regions across the globe. Countries in the West African sub-region are making individual effort at deploying ICT on national basis. But a lot still have to be done to improve on existing infrastructure and recognition of the important role of youths in using thee technologies to achieve peace building, MDGs and integration in the sub-region. It is worthy of note that how well our youths are able to develop and take advantage of the opportunities available in ICT sector would determine our quest for peace building, achievement of the MDGs and integration of the sub-region. Adequate steps must be taken to ensure that our youths are empowered to have access to ICT and effectively participate in policy process and implementation in order to achieve sustainable socio-economic development in the sub-region.

References:

(a) Teresa Crawford; Institute for Sustainable Communities

(b) Karsten Weitsnegger; A network of humanitarians

(c) Boutros Boutros Ghali; Agenda for Peace, 1992.

(d) Abdul Waheed Khan Freedom of Expression (UNESCO)

(e) Sanjana Hattoluwa; Conflict Management, 2007 Worldbank.org.

(f) Conflict Analysis Tool framework

(G) Worldbank. Org.

By Prof. Cleopas O. Angaye