TechCamp Jakarta is the second in a series of U.S. Department of State initiatives convening technology experts and civil society organizations (CSOs) to brainstorm on how technology can be used to address real world challenges. The focus of the May 19-20, 2011 session in Jakarta, Indonesia, is disaster response and climate change. By improving the connectivity of grassroots and non-governmental organizations, TechCamp seeks to preemptively prepare for response to natural and man-made disasters, as well as to increase digital literacy throughout Indonesia and the surrounding region.

Secretary Clinton's vision of Civil Society 2.0 is embodied in TechCamp, a forum created to empower civil society groups and provide the hands-on training needed to better execute their missions in the 21st century. In an increasingly networked world, it is essential that civil society organizations have the tools they need to compete and succeed.

TechCamps focus on exploring the challenges and needs of civil groups and providing the necessary training and one-on-one technology consultations to address those challenges through technological solutions. The goal is to improve the resilience of societies by increasing the digital literacy of CSOs and connecting CSOs to local, regional and international technology communities.

Indonesia is seen as a favorable location for the TechCamp, as it has the second largest number of Facebook members, after the United States. This strong social media understanding gives a stronger platform for innovation in mobile and web applications. Several corporate partners have signed on including Alcatel-Lucent, Novartis, Intel, Google, Microsoft, and Cisco. Leading technologists from Indonesia and the region, including Brian Herbert of Ushahidi, Josh Nesbit of MedicMobile, Kate Chapman of OpenStreetMap, and many others will speak and facilitate training sessions.

Following Jakarta, TechCamps are planned in Lithuania in June, coinciding with the biennial convening of the Community of Democracies, and in Moldova in July, focusing on open government. For more information about Civil Society 2.0, TechCamps or hosting a future TechCamp, visit www.techcampglobal.org or contact Katie Dowd, dowdkw@state.gov.

United States Department of State

United States Department of State

U.S. Government Agency

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