So, welcome to my blog.
I've been wanting to create a hub for the bits & pieces I write online for a long time, and as G20 approaches this week - I've finally gotten around to doing it.
G20? What's that got to do with anything? Well, the G20Voice project engages with leaders, influential people from governments, the business world & international institutions on issues including efforts to end global poverty, tackle climate change and create a more just society. This all takes place at global meetings like the G20 Summit in London on April 2nd 2009 and, as such, an open call was put out for nominations of bloggers to attend.
I was beyond keen to take part, and a few weeks ago it was confirmed that I'd be joining the 50 bloggers from 22 different countries - representing 85% of the world's output - to become the eyes and ears of the Summit.
Some of the group are journalists that use blogging as a medium to disseminate their views. Some are ‘professional bloggers', and others - like me - are ordinary citizens that simply maintain a presence online. Regardless of where we've come from, it's an amazing thing to part in; as this is the first time that bloggers will play such a significant part in the reporting of a major international meeting.
The event for us actually runs over 4 days, from the 31st of March to the 3rd of April, during which we'll be included in everything from briefings with global leaders, to round table discussions with experts in poverty reduction and climate change.
Personally, I will be blogging mainly for BitchBuzz.com, where my role as UK Tech correspondent means that all things digital will be at the front of my mind. But I'll also be reporting on green issues, specifically for theGINlady.com (Green, Independent and Natural) - as well as live tweeting and taking some video on my trusty Kodak Zi6 to upload at a later date.
Throughout, I see myself acting as a bridge between the Summit and those who want to get involved, but can't be with us in person. Whereas Carbon is high on my agenda (I'm an avid supporter of Global Cool's attempts to reduce carbon through practical initiatives), I'm also hoping to draw on public input to start conversations that reflect what a wider group of people wants to be discussed.
It's important to highlight that I'm in no way a political expert, but I am (clichéd as it may be) a digital ‘native'. As one of the youngest bloggers attending, it's important for me to help put across the words of a younger generation. Some of us have become jaded and unaware of the problems we face as a planet - but a vast amount are still very much engaged and want to see smarter, more structured and realistic decisions being made about the future of our world.
If you've got any suggestions or questions for me to put forward or discuss, please do comment on this post. You can also be part of G20Voice by promoting, blogging, linking, debating and engaging with all of the G20Voice bloggers and wider blogsphere. You can come and meet us all on Thursday evening by signing up here.
