Innovative technology plays an ever-growing role in 21st century international development, from data collection to financial services. Last month’s Mobile World Congress — touted as the world’s biggest mobile event — was buzzing with debates on the issues that arise when development and advanced technology converge.
Almost 100,000 tech experts flocked to Barcelona, Spain, to participate in the latest discussions about the world of mobile technology, and international development too was on the agenda.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote speech discussed the Internet.org initiative — a worldwide partnership that aims to expand access to the Internet in the developing world. He began by praising the companies “building the infrastructure that is actually connecting people in the world” and recognized that providing developing countries with free access to the Internet can be a big driver of business.
About the author
Helen Morgan
Helen Morgan is a journalist and editor, primarily focusing on climate change, migration, humanitarian crises, and human rights. She was previously an Associate Editor at Devex, where she managed the op-eds section and led a project covering climate resilience in small island developing states. Helen was also features editor at World Politics Review, and editor and writer at the environmental think tank WRI, as well as editing for The New Humanitarian. She lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.
