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WSIS: An Opportunity for the Private Sector

WSIS: An Opportunity for the Private Sector. Mr. Yoshio UTSUMI Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union October 17, 2003. WSIS: Origins and status. WSIS originally proposed by ITU PP in 1998 Formally endorsed by the UN in 2001 Regional meetings, 2002 – 2003

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WSIS: An Opportunity for the Private Sector

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  1. WSIS: An Opportunity forthe Private Sector Mr. Yoshio UTSUMI Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union October 17, 2003 world summit on the information society

  2. WSIS: Origins and status • WSIS originally proposed by ITU PP in 1998 • Formally endorsed by the UN in 2001 • Regional meetings, 2002 – 2003 • PrepCom process, started in July 2002 • First phase, Geneva 10-12 December 2003 • Second phase, Tunis, 16-18 November 2005 world summit on the information society

  3. Why do we need a WSIS? To tackle the injustices of the digital divide • ICTs are transforming the economy and society • Tremendous benefits in health, education, trade, private sector investment and jobs • But too many are being being left behind • 70% of Internet users live in high income countries that account for only 16% of the world’s population • More than 1.5 million villages remain unconnected world summit on the information society

  4. Why do we need a WSIS? To use ICTs to meet the Millennium Development Goals • The Millennium Development Goals set targets in the areas of reducing poverty, halving world hunger, providing universal primary education for all, combating disease and homelessness etc • ICTs will not solve these problems, but they are an important part of the toolbox to do so world summit on the information society

  5. Why do we need a WSIS? To build confidence, trust and security in ICTs • The Information Society will provide much of the world’s future employment • Demand for ICTs and their use will drive consumer spending • But citizens have legitimate concerns over fundamental freedoms, security, loss of privacy and protecting their children world summit on the information society

  6. Role of the ITU in WSIS • ITU is lead UN Agency for Summit • Providing financial and human resources • SG chairs HLSOC of Summit • Working Group of ITU Council • Inputs to draft declaration and action plan • Stock-taking of ITU programmes relavant to WSIS • Summit Events in December • Workshops, roundtables and high-level panel • ITU stand will showcase projects of ITU and its membership world summit on the information society

  7. Role of the ITU – The Way Forward • Possible mechanism for coordination and follow up • ITU membership structure as a possible basis for global compact • ITU’s structure of Member States and Sector Members is unique in the UN system • Benchmarks and Monitoring • Digital Opportunity Index • ICT Development Report • ICT success stories website world summit on the information society

  8. Why Participate? • Outcomes will affect your business • New business opportunities • Audience of world’s decision makers • First truly global gathering of leaders from all sectors in the field world summit on the information society

  9. Closing Thoughts • Digital divide is fueling greater inequality • WSIS is a unique platform for global action • Everyone has a role to play • Private sector has unique experience and expertise to contribute • Impact on political direction of the Summit and specific projects world summit on the information society

  10. website:www.itu.int/wsiscontact: wsis@itu.int Thank you for your attention world summit on the information society

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