07 November 2001

Quito, Ecuador: Japanese UN Volunteer Daizen Oda has been formally recognized for his role in a working group that has chosen winners of the Betinho Prize, an award given out annually in Ecuador by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) in the field of information and communication technologies for development.

According to Maureen James, APC Programmes and Projects Manager, Daizen Oda is commended for his "contribution in the field of ICTs for Development through his active and dedicated commitment" on the award panel in 2000 and 2001. "Reviewing the nominations is an intensive but gratifying task, and we are glad to inform you that Daizen Oda honoured his commitment with devotion and efficiency," Ms. James said in a letter.

Mr. Oda, a specialist in economics and international trade, works with a network of institutions in Quito, Ecuador in the field of ICT development. He has, for example, taught ICT to students at Catholic Univeristy of Quito. He is also advising the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Ecuador on ICT in development for the South American country's national development report.

Additionally, he has received an award from APC for the design of one of the best 10 ICT web sites in the world. APC was the first globally interconnected, non-profit, non-governmental network of communities and individuals working for peace, human rights, development and protection of the environment.