The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC)
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC)
Technology constantly creates new opportunities to change and improve the world we live in. The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC) has embraced current technology to create an innovative and revolutionary approach to international development. Our goal is to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create virtual development models which focus on infrastructure in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for each of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), starting with three pilot countries: Haiti, The Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan.
We are utilizing GIS Technology to create comprehensive maps that illustrate the infrastructure needs of each country. More specifically, our GIS will:
1. Illustrate landscapes in their current condition;
2. Display planned infrastructure developments on the current landscape
3. Create an engaging forum to educate individuals through the use of interactive story maps with themes including: development, culture, economics, sustainable agriculture and natural disasters.
Crowdsourced data is gathered on location by sending geo-tagged photos to our GIS team via smartphones. The evolving maps are then uploaded online for public access. The visual, interactive experience will empower citizens by providing the knowledge needed to become an agent of positive change for their country. Working parallel to their individual efforts, infrastructure development will ensure governments provide each citizen with the tools, safety, and security needed to create change.
Our research team in collaboration with the GIS and Infrastructure teams will project the needs of communities through the analysis of detailed webmaps. Infrastructure recommendations are then modeled based on the specific needs of each community. Internal and external collaboration is required to design our development strategies and maps. By involving community leaders, local and national governments, private interest groups and NGOs, our organization can truly help to create a “Global Partnership for Development.”
Why are we focusing on infrastructure and self-empowerment? Economic growth and steady employment for local communities can be achieved by large infrastructure projects. The Washington Post recently published an article stating the economic benefits for the American economy by undertaking new infrastructure projects. The same can be applied to developing countries where creating health clinics, hospitals or sanitation plants would create increased educational opportunities and long-term highly skilled jobs in addition to bettering the surrounding community.
Mapping and tracking this development will also help coordinate local NGO projects and create a unified common goal as compared to scattered individualized projects. This coordination is crucial. In the example of Haiti, the United States Institute of Peace estimates that there are over 3000 NGOs operating on the ground. Even more problematic is their lack of progress. Without a doubt, individual agendas, lack of collaboration and lack of accountability have led to a situation where aid is now seen as a scourge by many of the Haitian people.
ICGC believes country-specific virtual infrastructure models will enable LDCs to meet the MDGs while building sustainable, vibrant economies. Through technological innovation and a focus on infrastructure and self-empowerment, ICGC believes our revolutionary approach to development will truly: ‘Put Equality On The Map’!
More information can be found at their website: www.consciousglobalchange.org.