Following the Communication adopted on 2nd June, the European Commission presented the main negotiation issues for the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which will take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from 16th to 18th November.
The Commission considers that it is crucial to seize the present moment to promote and develop the Information Society through the compromises that were reached on WSIS's first phase, specially regarding its Declaration of Principles and Action Plan. According to Viviane Reding, Information Society and Media Commissioner, "The Internet is arguably the most powerful tool we possess for safeguarding freedom of expression and other human rights. This makes international co-operation in managing Internet resources (...) a vital concern for policy makers and Internet users worldwide."
With this purpose, the Communication to be presented on the 27th June Council of Ministers of Telecommunications identifies three main action points:
- Regarding the financial mechanisms for suppressing the digital divide in developing countries, and praising the Digital Solidarity Fund approved in March 2005, the Commission considers that a more global approach is necessary, one that mobilises human, technological and financial resources, aiming at a better integration of information and communication technologies on development policies;
- Concerning the international Internet governance model, the Commission believes that a new co-operation model is needed, one that puts into practice the points agreed upon on WSIS's first phase, and involving governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations;
- Having in mind the political follow up of WSIS and its Action Plan, the Commission stresses that such mechanism should be simple, efficient and that it should involve all United Nations organizations and governmental agencies, assuring once again the participation of civil society and the private sector.
Further information:
- COM(2005) 234 final, 02.6.2005 http://europa.eu.int/information_society/activities/internationalrel/docs/wsis/com02062005_en.pdf
- Commission outlines EU negotiation principles for the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/672&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
- World Summit on the Information Society - International Relations - WSIS http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/internationalrel/global_issues/wsis/index_en.htm
- World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) http://www.itu.int/wsis/index.html
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Commission adopts i2010 Strategy https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=276706
- World Telecommunication Day https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=272740
- IS World Summit terminates https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=148016
- World Summit on the Information Society WG (WSIS WG) https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=110039
