It’s exciting to see how UK Prime Minister links ‘poverty’ to ’the Internet’. As a communications consultant, blogger and someone working with online communication, I often find myself in a position where I have to explain myself, let alone to my parents, when discussing the role of the Internet in advocacy work: “ So basically, you are on Facebook every day, right?“ is a common reaction.

The honest answer to this question, which I think many other young people can relate to, would be “Yes, I am on Facebook every day”. But I like to think that being a ‘net-citizen’ and engaging in conversations with people from all over the world on a daily basis, is more than just a waste of time. I like to think that there is more to it.

I almost felt tempted to echo the words “yes we can”, when I recently stumbled upon an excellent video by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, “Wiring a web for global good”. Here is what he has to say about the Internet and poverty:

“We’re at a unique moment in history. We can use today’s interconnectedness to develop our shared global ethic — and work together to confront the challenges of poverty, security, climate change and the economy”.

The video is provided by TED, a US-based nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas on technology, development and design. It features Mr. Brown , who is standing in front of a photo-projector and a big audience, curious to hear what he has top say about poverty and the challenges facing the world today. I think everyone felt surprised when Mr. Brown introduced his argument – that interconnectedness is vital when it comes to poverty reduction.

To illustrate his point of view, Mr. Brown features heart-gripping pictures that have been transferred from country to country over time and gradually have become part of our collective memory:

“This is Birhan, who was the Ethiopian girl who launched Live Aid in the 1980s, 15 minutes away from death when she was rescued, and that picture of her being rescued is one that went round the world”.

Mr. Brown continues:

“This next is the Sudanese girl, a few moments from death, a vulture hovering in the background. And what do all these pictures and events have in common?  What they have in common is what we see unlocked and what we cannot see. What we see unlocked: the invisible ties and bonds of sympathy that bring us together to become a human community. What these pictures demonstrate is that we do feel the pain of others, however distantly”.

Well said.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not even implying that the Internet can replace a relief package, neither am I suggesting that the Internet can compensate for the social and personal losses that follow poverty. I am rather suggesting, similar to Mr. Gordon Brown, that the Internet can provide a platform where we can be ourselves and have a global conversation on important topics, such as poverty and AIDS. As Mr. Brown puts it:

“What I think these pictures demonstrate is that we do believe in something bigger than ourselves. What these pictures demonstrate is that there is a moral sense across all religions, across all faiths, across all continents — a moral sense that not only do we share the pain of others, and believe in something bigger than ourselves but we have a duty to act when we see things that are wrong that need righted, see injuries that need to be corrected, see problems that need to be rectified”.

The Internet can not eradicate poverty nor compensate for the loss of dignity and respect that follows poverty. But it is full of potential when it comes to building a bridge between people who want to make an effort and families affected by poverty.

I will wrap up this blog post by sharing some of the questions that remained after having watched the video:  Will providing Internet access to more people help end the poverty that disables millions in so many nations? And if the Internet is the answer, how do we approach challenges such as the digital divide and the fact that Internet is not accessible in all regions of the world? It is my impression that the impact of the Internet and its role in poverty reduction is poorly understood.  Correct me if I am wrong.

However, we do see good examples of governments, donors, activists, development organizations and bloggers that are realizing the benefits that Internet access promises in the fight against poverty.  The future will tell if we are witnessing a few isolated examples or these are signs of a revolution.

Anyway, over to you Mr. Brown. I will let you do the talking and simply just guide readers attention to your video.

The opinions expressed in this text are those of the author.