The Ningxia distance learning centre is the result of joint efforts by the regional government, the government of Australia and the World Bank.

Using state-of-the-art distance learning technology, the centre allows participants from across China, other East Asian countries and even other continents, to share information and learning without leaving their home towns.

Located at Ningxia University, the centre is the 30th distance learning centre in the growing Global Development Learning Network (GDLN). Administered by the World Bank, GDLN is a fully interactive, multichannel distance learning network with a mandate to serve developing nations.

According to Mohamed Muhsin, World Bank Vice-President and Chief Information Officer, the Ningxia centre is a three-way milestone for GDLN. "It is the first distance learning centre located in one of China's poor western provinces and regions; it lays the groundwork for China's nationwide connection ; and it begins GDLN's shift to using the Internet Protocol for its video-conferencing."

Connectivity between the Beijing hub and Ningxia is being provided by the China Education and Research Network (CERNET). CERNET consists of a high-speed fibre network linking 38 universities in 36 cities throughout China.

In keeping with GDLN's goal of harnessing information and communication technology for global learning and knowledge exchange, the official opening of the Ningxia centre was a virtual event, with participants and speakers in Ningxia, Beijing, Washington, Singapore and Canberra linked together by video conference.

Northwest China's Ningxia is one the nation's poorest regions.

"High-quality human resources are a key factor for economic and social development in this period of accelerated global economic integration and rapid development of information technology," said Ma Qizhi, governor of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

(China Daily November 1, 2001)