ITU Asia and Pacific Regional Support for WSIS 2003

1. ITU Asia and Pacific Regional Support for WSIS 2003 prepared by: Dr. Michael A. Calvano, Ph.D. Head, ITU Regional Office for Asia and Pacific

2. ITU’s Role in WSIS • originated concept of WSIS • promoted concept of WSIS with UN • designated as “lead” UN agency for WSIS planning and implementation • hosting WSIS Executive Secretariat in Geneva • at the regional level • support ITU global preparations • support regional level preparations with countries and other stake holders • implement WSIS prep activities

3. ITU ASP WSIS Prep Activities • organized and implemented a panel discussion at Asian Regional Conference for WSIS (Tokyo, January 2003) • helped to conceptualize and make inputs to a Pacific Islands Regional Consultation on WSIS (Suva, April 2003) • lead development and implementation of Forum on ICTs and Gender (Kuala Lumpur, May 2003) • advise on planning and implementation of 1st Conference of Ministers on Information and Broadcasting in the ASP Region (Bangkok, May 2003) • make inputs to 7th International Conference on Human Services Information Technology Applications (Hong Kong, August 2003)

4. Panel Discussion I – Connectivity and the Information Society [1] • Mr. Anthony S.K.Wong, Chair Director General of Telecommunications, Hong Kong SAR, China • Dr. Michael Calvano, Moderator Head, ITU Regional Office, Asia and Pacific • Mr. Yoshio Utsumi (Opening Remarks) Secretary General of ITU • H.E.Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai (Panelist) Minister of Communications, Transitional Islamic Government of Afghanistan • H.E. Dr.Surapong Suebwomglee (Panelist) Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand • Mr. Vinod Vaish (Panelist) Chairman, Telecommunication Commission and Secretary of Department of Telecommunications, India • Mr. Shunzo Morishita (Panelist) Vice President, NTT East, Japan • Mr. Nick Moraitis (Panelist) Coordinator, Youth Caucus of the WSIS

5. Panel Discussion I – Connectivity and the Information Society [2] • Topics • Connecting Asia and the Pacific - the role of wireless communications and new technologies in Asia • The Vision of High-speed Access -Next generation services • Affordable Connectivity Solutions • The Role of Stake Holders - governments, private sector, civil society and others in connecting Asia

6. Panel Discussion I – Connectivity and the Information Society [3] • Results can be found at: http://www.wsis-japan.jp/documents/materials_distributed.html Panel Agenda and Abstract (Document C-1) Panel I Summary Report (Document C-44)

7. Pacific Islands Regional Consultation on WSIS [1] • Goal – prepare Pacific Island countries to participate effectively in the WSIS PrepCom process and the Summit • Outputs – • updated regional strategic plan • a regional position paper responding to the draft declaration and action plan • refined national strategies • Participants – government policy makers, communication service providers, NGOs and civil society • Organizers – ITU, PIFS, PITA, UNDP, UNESCO, GKP/FDC

8. Pacific Islands Regional Consultation on WSIS [2] • For more information contact: • Dr. Robert Guild, Economic Infrastructure Advisor, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat RobertG@forumsec.org.fj http://www.forumsec.org.fj/

9. 1st Conference of Ministers on Information and Broadcasting in the Asia and Pacific Region [1] • Goal – strengthen position of national and regional electronic media in the era of globalization and confirm broadcasters inputs to WSIS • Objectives – • identify issues affecting electronic media in ASP • articulate problem areas in present media scenario • devise strategies to solve problems • prepare recommendations to WSIS reflecting issues and priorities of broadcasters • Organizers – AIBD, UNESCO, ITU, APT, ESCAP, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Govt. of France

10. 1st Conference of Ministers on Information and Broadcasting in the Asia and Pacific Region [2] • Major Themes- • Media and Globalization • Media and the Digital Divide • Media, Cultural Diversity and Peace • Media and Information/Knowledge Society • Public Service Broadcasting • For more information contact: Mr. Javad Mottaghi javad@aibd.org.my http://aibd.org.my

11. Forum on ICTs and Gender [1] • Goal – prepare inputs for the WSIS on ICTs and gender • Outputs - • recommendations to WSIS on bridging the ICT/gender divides at national, regional and international levels • Participants – all ICT stake holders • Organizers – Govt. of Malaysia, ITU, UNESCO, ESCAP, GKP, COL, IDRC, APT, APWIN Center

12. Forum on ICTs and Gender [2] • Themes – • providing access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for all • ICTs as a tool for economic and social development • confidence and security in the use of ICTs • For more information contact: Dr. Eun-Ju Kim, ITU Senior Advisor for ASP <kimej@itu.or.th>

13. 7th International Conference on Human Services Information Technology Applications [1] • Goal – • define the role of the social sector in building digital bridges to people who are being deprived of the benefits of the digital revolution • ITU’s Input – keynote address on WSIS process and a strategy for inclusion of HUSITA recommendations in the Summit • Participants – social and human service practitioners, researchers, IT professionals, policy specialists, educators • Organizers – HUSITA, HK council of Social Service, HK Computer Society, HK IT Federation, HK SAR IT Services Dept., Shanghai National Council of Social Service, HK SAR Social Welfare Dept.

14. 7th International Conference on Human Services Information Technology Applications [2] • Themes – ICTs for Social Inclusion • ICTs in social services and social work practices • ICT in social work/social service training and education • ICT in community and digital inclusion For more information contact: http://www.hkcss.org.hk/husita7/

15. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !