2008:

A year of strengthened engagement and collaboration in the field of Knowledge and ICT for Development.

A transition to the next generation GKP.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On behalf of the Executive Committee, we are pleased to present the Global Knowledge Partnership 2008 Annual Activity and Financial Report.

2008 saw enhanced GKP engagement and collaboration in the field of Knowledge and ICT for Development in response to regional and global development needs.

After 11 years of championing knowledge and ICT for development, GKP is known internationally and trusted for its knowledge, experience and expertise. In 2008, GKP input and engagement were sought by the international community on a wide spectrum of issue areas including entrepreneurship, e-agriculture, climate change, access to education, access to knowledge, innovations in science and technology, telecommunications infrastructure investments and rollout, and Internet governance and safety. Valued and well received, GKP contributions drew from the deep and wide knowledge of our network and the principle of multistakeholder engagement.

In 2008, GKP successfully reached out to approximately 13,000 key development stakeholders across sectors and disciplines in both developed and developing regions. GKP facilitated cross-sector learning and collaboration through various activities and programmes, particularly regional and thematic knowledge-sharing events. New collaborations materialised both regionally and globally, and existing partnership initiatives grew. We are very pleased to see the emergence and implementation of ideas for regional and global partnership projects in the areas of climate change adaptation, education, entrepreneurship and science, technology and innovation, particularly to address the needs of the Africa region.

A strong and vibrant GKP network

The GKP network membership grew to 115 organisations across sectors as we welcomed new members and retained a high rate of membership renewal. 87% of members actively participated in network activities and programmes throughout the year and elections for the Executive Committee and Regional Coordinator positions recorded the highest ever member engagement in GKP history. Our network in 2008 was strong and vibrant. At the Annual Members’ Meeting, which was conducted virtually, members expressed the need for greater interaction and knowledge sharing within the network and with the broader GKP community that includes GKP partners, advisors and friends. In response to this need, the GKP Secretariat has launched GKPnet, a new online community platform capable of not only enhancing the interactivity and knowledge contribution among members, but also enabling the inclusion of the extended and broader 6000 strong GKP community. This platform will help facilitate a richer knowledge exchange and learning that can spur the development of partnership-driven solutions to address global development challenges more effectively. GKPnet also demonstrates GKP’s determination in minimising ecological footprints and to enable equal participation opportunities by leveraging digital technologies.

Next generation GKP

In 2008, GKP saw its Chair of the Executive Committee, Walter Fust from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation as well as its Executive Director, Rinalia Abdul Rahim, step down after more than 7 years in office. Both individuals have provided outstanding leadership that has led to unprecedented network growth and prominence, sealing GKP’s reputation as the world’s premier multistakeholder network in its field. The new leadership of GKP is committed to building on this legacy of excellence as we respond to emerging opportunities and challenges for the network.

The key to success and survival for any organisation lies in relevance and financial sustainability. GKP currently operates in a context where the ICT for Development field has evolved and where the priorities of our funders have shifted. As a pioneer of the field, GKP needs to reflect and revisit its value proposition to ensure continued success into the future. Towards this end, the Executive Committee has established a Task Force to facilitate a network-wide reflection and visioning process and to develop a more cohesive plan and strategy that will respond effectively to members’ priorities and capacity to contribute against the context of shifting regional and global development needs. The Task Force is expected to complete its work in mid 2009.

In the meantime, network activities will focus more on ICT innovation and revolve around virtual networking, knowledge sharing and partnership building supported by the new GKP portal, regional websites and GKPnet.

After 11 years of existence, GKP still has much to share and contribute to global development. Our work in the field of Knowledge and ICT for Development is not yet done.

Our thanks go out to all network members for your continued engagement and patience, and we look forward to working with you in catalysing the emergence of a stronger next generation GKP.