Since the UN Millennium Declaration, which advocated for free access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for all, ICT and the Internet in particular, have been lauded as important tools for sustainable development. Most development practitioners agree that ICT helps build more fair, equitable and diverse societies while opening up economic opportunity.
November 20 and 21, PIND together with collaborating organizations UNICEF and NEWSAN (Society for Water and Sanitation), held the WASH (Water, Sanitation, &Hygiene education) Forum in Calabar, Cross River State. Present were NGOs from 6 states (Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross Rivers) and RUWASSA (Rural Water and Sanitation Support Agency) representatives. UNICEF presented their upcoming Niger Delta Support Program funded by the European Union. Other topics covered included the link between peace-building and WASH, possibilities for on-line support tools
WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene education â€“ known as WASH â€“ is a critical aspect of community development. Access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education is a foundation of community development - other development initiatives in areas such as basic education and literacy, disease prevention, maternal and child health, economic development, and peace and conflict resolution, will have more impact if WASH has first been addressed.