1. world summit on the information society World Summit on the Information Society Presentation to the Arab Telecommunication and Internet Forum 2003 Beirut, 28-31 May

2. 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

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

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

5. world summit on the information society Source: ITU Internet Divide

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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 17-28 February 03 PrepCom-2 : Geneva 17-28 February 03 PrepCom-3Geneva 15-26 September 03 PrepCom-3 : Geneva 15-26 September 03

14. world summit on the information society Preparatory Process for Geneva 2003 Regional level Africa – Bamako 28-30 November 2002 Europe – Bucharest 7-9 November 2002 Asia Pacific – Tokyo 13-15 January 2003 Latin America & Caribbean – Santo Domingo 27-30 January 2003 Arab Region - Beirut 4-6 February 2003

15. 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?

16. 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

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