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Given the increasing popularity of new online tools based on Web 2.0 applications, UNESCO took the initiative to organize a high level debate on social networking on 11 May 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. The debate brought together around 70 participants, including representatives of governments, the private sector and the civil society, as well as legislators, policy makers and Internet users, who exchanged their views on the opportunities and threats of these new tools.
Panelists stressed the tremendous potential of social networking for the promotion of freedom of expression, and political and social cohesion. Emerging issues addressed during the debate included social networking through mobile phones in developing countries, ethical standards for social media and their impact on main-stream media, the use of social networking for development and poverty reduction.
It was concluded that in order to fully exploit the potential of social networking, without compromising civil rights and liberties, collaboration between private sector, governments and civil society needs to be fostered.
Source: UNESCO news service
24 June 2010
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