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UN to host largest open-source technology conference

Xinhua, April 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology said on Wednesday it will host "Open Camps@UN 2016" from July 8-17 at the UN's New York City Headquarters.

The United Nations views open-source technology as a critical enabler for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, offering the potential to facilitate global innovation and empower individuals and organizations, as well as the private and public sectors, said the office.

"We are committed to ensuring there are no barriers between the best developers, technologies and data available," said Atefeh Riazi, Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer.

Expected to be among the world's largest events focusing on open-source technology, the conference will welcome as many as 6,000 developers from open-source communities, private sector technology companies and academic institutions interested in developing partnerships to explore open-source technology solutions that support the world body's mission, said the office.

"Open Camps @ UN 2016 will serve as a global magnet for developers who are driven by an interest in leveraging open-source technology for the public good," said Riazi.

Open source technology allows end users and developers to not only see the source code of software, but modify it as well.

The Open Camps @ UN 2016 programme will include leading conferences, such as PyGotham, Drupal NYC Camp and Word Camp NYC, and feature special initiatives relating to youth and diversity in technology, as well as an Apps for Humanity initiative that encourages developers to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, according to the organizer. Enditem