An effective management of the Y2K problem is essential and should aim at making critical systems compliant without jeopardizing their on-going operations. The failure of computer functions related to the Y2K problem could notably close down electricity, water supply, transportation, telecommunication, and security systems in a country. However, in many countries, credible contingency plans have not yet been envisaged. The World Bank Group has developed an overall Y2K strategy to remedy the most potentially serious disruptions at the turn of year 2000, and help governments in its client countries manage the risks and develop contingency plans. The infoDev's Y2K initiative is one component of the World Bank Group's strategy.
Participants are high-level officials and technical managers.
The technical managers are those working directly on information technology issues, such as Information and Technology Department Directors or Chief Operating Officers. The first day of the seminar ensures that the issue is appreciated at a high political level and that there will sufficient support at the remediation stage. The second day involves technical managers for national Y2K plans. It uses the infoDev Y2K Toolkit and present best practices and reference model for launching a national Y2K program. Sessions include presentations by Y2K specialists and are also highly interactive, allowing discussions between participants and presenters.