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Vietnam Embraces Global Learning Network

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News, speeches and media

Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

Today I have witnessed first hand the encouraging steps Vietnam has taken to
embrace the international community through global information and
communication technologies.

I visited the Vietnam Development Information Centre in Hanoi, for a
videoconference linking the World Bank Offices in Washington and Sydney and
AusAID Offices in Canberra.

The conference explored the benefits and possibilities offered by the Global
Development Learning Network.

The Network is a worldwide partnership of distance education learning
centres that design and deliver courses and seminars on an extensive range of
development issues.

Development Information Centres, such as the one in Hanoi, have facilities
for videoconferencing, web-based learning and face-to-face interaction, giving
people access to knowledge and the ability to communicate in a wide range of
fields. This is a powerful contribution to development. Australia has provided
funding for the Vietnam centre, as well as centres in Papua New Guinea and
China.

The recent SARS outbreak demonstrated the value of these centres by allowing
medical experts globally to learn from the Vietnamese experts on the
elimination of SARS. This was done through a series of international
videoconferences and gave institutions such as the University of Sydney the
chance to participate. It also provided an alternative means of doing official
business while travel restrictions were in place.

The Global Development Learning Network is managed by the World Bank.
Australia is supporting the network through the Virtual Colombo Plan which I
initiated in 2001 as a means of attacking poverty in developing countries by
improving education and access to quality knowledge and information.

Australia has a lot to offer its partner countries in promoting the use of
information and communication technologies. We rank highly on various knowledge
economy indicators such as the use of the Internet, innovation, knowledge
transfer and skills investment.

Media enquiries:

Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 0419 206 890

Jo Elsom (AusAID)02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489

Russell Miles (Australian Embassy Hanoi) +84 4 831 7754 (ext 123)

Last Updated: 25 February 2013
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