Some of you might have already received this but forwarding for interest:


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Carman <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 2008/7/14
Subject: [HERITAGE] FW: [Wac] DIGITAL DIVIDE NEEDS BRIDGING
To: [log in to unmask]



MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 14TH JULY, 2008
DIGITAL DIVIDE NEEDS BRIDGING

The World Archaeological Congress stresses the need for institutions
and individuals to provide free or at cost access to their digital and
technical resources and skills in order to foster development of
transformative global access and capacities.

The World Archaeological Congress supports the development of training
programmes to build capacity where needed and requested and to
communicate digital methods in heritage at all levels.

"The digital divide between countries is widening," said Professor
Claire Smith, President of the World Archaeological Congress. "Equal
access to digital technology is an essential part of a more equitable
world."

The World Archaeological Congress supports the wider involvement of
global communities through the development and sharing of digital
approaches.
The World Archaeological Congress is establishing a working group to
work on this area.
FURTHER INFORMATION:                                    Professor Claire Smith
                                                  Mobile: 0872 698 353
(Ireland)
                                                        Email:
[log in to unmask]

                                                     Dr Michael Ashley
                                                        Chair, WAC
Internet and Global
                                                        Communications Taskforce
                                                        Email:
[log in to unmask]
BACKGROUND:
The World Archaeological Congress (WAC) is a non-governmental,
not-for-profit organization and is the only elected international body
of practising archaeologists.  WAC holds an international congress
every four years to promote the exchange of the results of
archaeological research; professional training and public education
for disadvantaged nations, groups and communities; the empowerment and
betterment of Indigenous groups and First Nations peoples; and the
conservation of archaeological sites.

The Sixth World Archaeological Congress (WAC-6) was held from 29th
June-4th July at the University College Dublin.  This was the first
World Archaeological Congress to be held in Ireland. It was attended
by over 1,800 archaeologists, native peoples and international
scholars from 74 nations.  Motions from the Plenary session of the
Congress were considered by subsequent meetings of the World
Archaeological Congress Council and Executive.

The Congress Patron for WAC-6 was President Mary McAleese.  Previous
Congress Patrons include Harriet Mayor Fulbright, Prince Charles and
Nelson Mandela.


-- 

Claire Smith
In 2008: Institute of the Advanced Study for Humanity, GP1-22, General
Purpose Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308
Australia
Home Affiliation: Department of Archaeology, Flinders University, GPO
Box 2100, Adelaide. SA 5001 Australia
Fax: + 61 2 4921 7818
President, World Archaeological Congress,
http://worldarchaeologicalcongress.org/site/join.php
Sixth WAC Congress, WAC-6, University College Dublin, Ireland, 29th
June-4 July 2008


-- 
Tehmina Goskar, MA AMA
[log in to unmask]

Web Communication Development for Culture, Heritage and Academia
Museum Specialist
Historian

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