Report on 2nd General Meeting of Global IACNet held at Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Seoul, Republic of Korea from 24th to 27th October 2017

Abstract

Executive Summary - The 2nd General Meeting of Global IACNet was held at Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Seoul, Republic of Korea from 24th to 27th October 2017. It was attended by 36 Information Access Center (IAC) Managers from 50 centers including representatives of four newly established centers in Peru, Guatemala, Jordan and Serbia. IACNet (Global Information Access Centers' Network) is a joint council where National Information Society Agency (NIA) and the IACs around the world gather together to discuss IAC's future directions and strategies for bridging the digital divide and strengthening cooperation in the ICT field. The theme for the meeting was Digital Transformation – moving IACs from hardware-based to software-based centers with emphasis on IT Training and Business Start-ups. Presentations were delivered on various ICT topics by seasoned experts in the field. Topics covered include Mid to Long-Term Visions and Development Strategy for IAC, Consulting for Center-Oriented Needs and Interest, IACNet Management and IAC Project Management, Assistive Device for Disabled and its Operation, Operation Strategy for Start-up Education Center, Development and Operation of ICT Curriculum. Participants had the opportunity to visit ICT Centers, Technology Parks, Royal Palaces, Seoul Metropolitan Library, Seoul Sky Observatory and National Museum Contemporary Arts of Korea during the period. The president of NIA congratulated participants for attending the meeting and exhorted them to apply the things learnt when they return home. Participants were satisfied with the meeting and expressed their readiness to share knowledge acquired with their counterparts to achieve the objectives of the meeting.