The SIDS Unit plans to transform SIDSNet from an information system and networking mechanism to a central knowledge management system.
The project is funded by the Government of Spain and will take place between May 2011 and February 2012.
February 2011: The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Unit of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), has announced the “complete redesign and revitalization” of SIDSnet, its online platform for linking islands on issues related to sustainable development.
SIDSNet was established in 1997 as an information system and networking mechanism, to provide the technology platform that enabled public and private networking around the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA). The redesign aims to transform SIDSNet from an information system to a central knowledge management system. The redesign will also place a focus on facilitating partnerships and motivating action in SIDS.
The transformation of SIDSNet is part of a UN DESA project, funded by the Government of Spain, titled “Capacity Development through Education for Sustainable Development and Knowledge Management for Small Island Developing States.”
In its brochure about the redesign, the SIDS Unit lists three components of SIDSNet’s work: tracking international meetings and inter-governmental processes related to SIDS; collating national data and statistical information toward assessment of vulnerability-resilience country profiles; and facilitating and motivating partnerships across the thematic areas of the BPoA, by providing a global platform where SIDS, donors, NGOs, regional intergovernmental organizations, and UN agencies may highlight their events and activities.
The Unit provides a timeline for the redesign, beginning with a “soft launch” from 2-3 May 2011, followed by testing and regional consultations from May-September. Phase I of the official launch (core features) is scheduled for September, during the 66th UN General Assembly. After an additional period of outreach for user engagement and training, Phase II of the official launch (all features) will take place in February 2012, including “web 2.0” features to increase opportunities for live interaction among users.
The announcement invites ideas and input via the webpage. [SIDSNet Website] [Brochure]