WSIS An Opportunity for the Private Sector Mr

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

WSIS: Origins and status § § § WSIS originally proposed by ITU PP in 1998 Formally endorsed by the UN in 2001 Regional meetings, 2002 – 2003 Prep. Com 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 2

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 left behind Ø 70% of Internet users live in high income countries that account for only 16% of the world’s population Ø More than 1. 5 million villages remain unconnected world summit on the information society 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

Role of the ITU – The Way Forward § Possible mechanism for coordination and follow up § ITU membership structure as a possible basis for global compact Ø 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 7

Why Participate? 1. Outcomes will affect your business 2. New business opportunities 3. Audience of world’s decision makers 4. First truly global gathering of leaders from all sectors in the field world summit on the information society 8

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

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