By Pavel P. Antonov Illustration: Laszlo Falvay GROWTH INDUSTRY: Information technology brings the environment to a screen near you Few in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) would care about the collapse of the world trade talks in Cancun. Indeed Cancun looked like conclusive evidence of the inability of existing international mechanisms to balance the interests of rich and poor nations concerning agriculture and global investment rules. But it seems clear that the interests of this region match those of the EU. Cancun made the dilemma between full support for the existing model of corporate globalisation and unbending opposition to it a de-facto demarcation line in international relations. This cemented the positions on both sides and cast a shadow over the efforts to find a middle way, but hope is not lost to all. The emerging information society has long been viewed as a possible alternative to the currently dominating model of over-consumption of resources. Indeed, dematerialisation of the economy, e-democracy and new information and communication technologies (ICTs) have much potential to bring us closer to the dream of sustainable development. Governments, industry and reseachers keep a close eye on ICTs, which have the potential to emerge as the principle engine of economic growth. ICTs are becoming widely-used, vital tools for bringing environmnetal information closer to decision makers and citizens in CEE. But it's not yet clear that information technogies will lead us to sustainability. To begin with -- ICTs consume more recources and energy than once envisaged. Indirectly and otherwise, they pollute and pose environmental and health risks. ICTs are only available to a few. A major concern is that those who can't afford the technology or the education to use it will miss out on dividends of the digital age. Global networks such as the Association for Progressive Communications have been addressing this danger for a decade now, promoting equal access to ICTs thoughout the developing world and emerging economies. Recently governments and corporations have been getting involved, and a world summit on the information society will discuss concerns and opportunities this December in Geneva. Of course, ICTs alone cannot bring about global sustainability. A socially justified model of development, combining market economics with strong social and environmental policies constitute the vision of one of CEE's most experienced proponents of sustainability, Hungarian negotiator Tibor Farago. The region's countries hope to balance their political commitments to the West, their economic interests and their social and environmental priorities, Farago explained. Based on its history and recent progress, Central and Eastern Europe can blend democracy and prosperity with social and environmental protections. By following the best examples of governance and economic practices, all the while taking advantage of EU financial instruments and technologies -- including information and computer ones -- the region can quickly discover a middle way toward sustainable development.

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