Letter

The Development Gateway appreciates this opportunity to clarify the most recent information being circulated on Kabissa regarding the Gateway. First, the Gateway's editorial and content management policies - which are clearly posted on our site at - are designed to encourage broad-based participation and a plurality of opinions on the Gateway. Numerous organizations, including NGOs, universities, indigenous organizations, and faith-based groups manage their topic pages selecting advisors, framing the focus of the page, deciding what content is displayed and highlighted, and promoting online discussions. (see a complete list of contributing organizations at http://www.developmentgateway.org/aboutus/links). Further, anyone with access to the Internet can post resources such as links and documents on the Gateway, as well as post comments and ask questions, thus adding to the inclusive and synergestic nature of the Gateway. Second, while the Development Gateway is being initially funded and designed by the World Bank, it is based on an partnership approach that has involved over 100 government, civil society, private sector, and donor organizations in the planning, design, and implementation phases. This partnership approach also includes local Country Gateways - to date being established in 32 countries - which are managed by diverse and independent organizations that will aggregate local knowledge and help to address the digital divide at the national level. Third, the Development Gateway team has not only consulted widely on the design and scope of the portal, but has from the beginning been open to the comments and feedback - both positive and negative - received. It is precisely for this reason that the portal is being built through a phased approach that allows us to constantly reassess our policies, incorporate user feedback, and refine features. We have already introduced many improvements, such as a greater emphasis on open technology standards, adopting institutions as topic guides, hosting autonomous community portals, and moving forward in establishing an independent Foundation that will manage the portal through a multi-stakeholder board of directors. In closing, we invite all those interested in learning more about the Development Gateway to visit our site, and particularly the "About Us" section to view our business plan, consultation meeting reports, team member bios, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

WE REPLY: The independence of the Gateway's board is being questioned by a number of organisations, including the Bretton Woods Project (see the Editorial in this issue of the Newsletter). Please note that the name of this newsletter is the Kabissa-fahamu Newsletter.