"I think this is a question worth asking. Although this links to an article in French, you’ll probably get the idea: Bill Gates is visiting my beautiful city, Paris, just like many other well-known figures the U.S have brought to the world, such as Britney Spears, Georges W. Bush and Mr Potato. The major difference with them is that Bill Gates did not have to avoid mobs of curious people or fans (although I think Mr Potato managed to spend some time pretty much anonymously ).

"UNESCO gathered a group of partners to produce two guides to encourage the development of sustainable computer recycling plants."

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI), the world's premier Linux certification organization, announced that its affiliate, LPI-Middle East, had signed an agreement with Ma3bar initiative to promote the adoption of Free and Open Source software throughout the Arab world.

"In 2001, as UNESCO begins to lend its support to the Free Software Movement, it is almost 18 years since we launched the movement and began developing the GNU operating system. We have come a long way..."

"A working group has been set up in January 7th, 2002 by APRIL and FSF France. The original idea is from Pierre Jarillon (ABUL president). The objective is to have Free Software classified as an intangible world cultural heritage by the UNESCO

"It really is good to see so many international NGOs and intergovermental organisations creating open educational resources and/or promoting open access. UNESCO has created a gateway to resources related to Free Software..."

"...With the Free Software Portal, UNESCO provides a single interactive access point to pertinent information for users who wish to acquire an understanding of the Free Software movement, to learn why it is important and to apply the concept..."

Bahrain-based Hilal Computers has strengthened its partnership with Red Hat, the world's leading provider of open source solutions, with an agreement signed recently at the company's headquarters.

In November of 2006, Microsoft rocked the Linux world by signing a landmark patent and interoperability agreement with Novell. According to the two partners, it's an agreement that today, two and half years later is still paying off, even during the current recession.