GFDD, FUNGLODE and VEC Announce VEC 2010 in Santo Domingo and Organize Forum on Water and Environment

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) and Virtual Educa Caribbean (VEC) participated in Virtual Educa 2008, July 14-18, in Zaragoza, Spain. Virtual Educa, an initiative affiliated with the Cumbre
Iberoamericana de Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno (Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government), is a forum that brings together experts in the areas of education and technological innovation to devise projects that relate to training and facilitating access to knowledge. A principal objective of the forum is to foster synergies between educational institutions and entities within the public and private sectors, in order to advance educational development and
cooperation.

 

During these five days, 1,294 delegates and 637 presenters from public, private and non-profit institutions discussed the benefits and challenges associated with virtual learning and teaching. Among the topics addressed was the important role of technology in processes of development and social inclusion.

 

GFDD, FUNGLODE and VEC were represented at the Ibero-American gathering by Asunción Sanz, Project Coordinator; Paul Goris, Uniting Technology and Education Coordinator; Elaine Hernandez, Publicity Coordinator; and Yamile Eusebio, Educational Projects Coordinator.

 

In addition to participating
in the diverse encounters and seminars that will be celebrated during Virtual Educa 2008, GFDD, FUNGLODE and Virtual Educa Caribe also erected a stand to announce and promote Virtual Educa 2010, taking place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 

Additionally, on July 17, 2008, GFDD, FUNGLODE and VEC, in coordination with the International Water and Environment Center (CIAMA) and
the Government of Aragón’s Environment Office, presented the “Latin American Forum on Water and Environment.” The event formed part of the Zaragoza 2008 Water Expo., and brought together experts in order to: analyze the present state of water and the environment in Latin America; examine new developments within the fields of education, training and technological innovation; and devise a plan for the establishment of an institute that will address the
main challenges facing water resource protection and enhancement throughout Latin America.

 

During this one-of-a-kind gathering, international leaders worked together to fulfill the following objectives: categorize existing initiatives related to water networks; assess information tools available to facilitate thematic networks; establish cooperative relationships among
educational institutions and the public and private sectors; define the basic characteristics of the working group designated to develop the Institute for Water and Environment.

 

GFDD, FUNGLODE, VEC and their partners propose that by expanding thematic networks aimed at mobilizing information, technical assistance and multilateral funds, governments, organizations and communities
across the Region will be better equipped to address the challenges that confront them, contributing to the advancement of research and promoting collaboration between scientists at the international level. Moreover, networks offer support that favors equal access to education and training, substantiall