Borderless thoughts on Politics, Public Affairs, the media and anything else that matters from Conall McDevitt, SDLP MLA for South Belfast
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  • O’Conall Street’s virtual summer school launched: Hans Rosling on global population growth with Ikea props

    Posted on August 2nd, 2010 Conall McDevitt No comments

    Am going to post thought provoking lectures and articles I like during August; like we were having a virtual summer school on O’Conall St.

    Here is Hans Rosling’s latest TED installment, this time on global population growth with Ikea props!

  • Africa v the World

    Posted on June 30th, 2009 Conall McDevitt No comments

    Since returning from Uganda I have been trying to come to terms with the poverty gap between that country and anywhere else I have visited. What also baffled me was the availability of mobile phone technology in every corner of the bush yet a total absence of running water, electricity or basic healthcare. Technology had arrived but without all the benefits that it is meant to bring.  Santa came, but he left no presents!

    I came across a TED talk by Hans Rosling which helps explain the inability of Africa to catch up with the rest of the world despite the massive economic and technological growth which has taken place since 1960. Its also highlights the power of data and the real barriers which exist to true global development.

    (There is an interesting clip about Ugandan child mortality about 13 min in)

    If you are interested in development, watch this.