world summit on the information society World Summit on the Information Society Presentation to the Arab Telecommunication and Internet Forum 2003 Beirut, May

world summit on the information society The Challenge – Digital Divide  ICTs transforming economy and society  Tremendous benefits in health, education, trade, private sector investment and jobs  But large populations being left behind  91% of Internet users live in wealthiest countries that account for only 19% of the world’s population

world summit on the information society Tele-density (per 100 inhabitant) Telecom Divide

world summit on the information society PCs and Internet (per 100 inhabitant) Internet Divide

world summit on the information society Source: ITU Internet Divide

world summit on the information society Users per 100 Inhabitants (2001) (Source: ITU) Arab Region: Internet Divide

world summit on the information society Internet use = Infrastructure ++ AffordabilityHuman skills Hard factors Infrastructure Pricing/affordability Soft factors Language/content Education Literacy Factors on Internet Use

world summit on the information society UN Resolution to hold Summit  Under patronage of UN SG Kofi Annan  ITU lead with support of other UN bodies and host countries  Meeting at the highest political level  Phase One in Geneva  Phase Two in Tunis

world summit on the information society Summit Rationale  Develop a common vision of an inclusive global information society  Mobilize leaders with Action Plan to put ICTs at the service of human development  UN Millennium Development Goals

world summit on the information society Participation  « New Model Summit » governments, private sector and civil society actively involved  Written submissions, preparatory meetings and Summit  International community making voluntary contributions to a special Summit trust fund

world summit on the information society Phase One – Geneva 10 to 12 December 2003  Hosted by Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003  Address range of themes and adopt a Declaration of Principles and Action plan

world summit on the information society Phase Two – Tunis in 2005  Hosted by Government of Tunisia in 2005  Development themes with real projects will be a key focus  Assess progress made and adopt any further action required

world summit on the information society Preparatory Process for Geneva 2003 Global level: PrepCom-1Geneva 1-5 July 02 PrepCom-1 : Geneva 1-5 July 02 PrepCom-2Geneva February 03 PrepCom-2 : Geneva February 03 PrepCom-3Geneva September 03 PrepCom-3 : Geneva September 03

world summit on the information society Preparatory Process for Geneva 2003 Regional level Africa – Bamako November 2002 Europe – Bucharest 7-9 November 2002 Asia Pacific – Tokyo January 2003 Latin America & Caribbean – Santo Domingo January 2003 Arab Region - Beirut 4-6 February 2003

world summit on the information society Proposed Themes  What is the shared VISION of the information society?  How do we expand ACCESS to ICTs?  What APPLICATIONS will serve social and economic development?

world summit on the information society Call on Leaders to Attend Summit  Ensure highest political representation of the Arab Region  Serve as full partners in the Summit and Action Plan and commit to delivering results  Participate in partnership projects to bring new investment and opportunity to the Region

world summit on the information society website: Thank you for your attention