Final WSIS Assessment 2005

1. Final WSIS Assessment 2005 28 November 2005

2. Canada’s Principles for WSIS, 2002 WSIS IS ABOUT DEVELOPMENT • Promoting democratic government and governance; • Creating an enabling environment through appropriate policies, laws, regulations and practices; • Developing human capacity through education and training; • Increasing access to communication networks and information services; • Fostering the creation and preservation of local content; • Building new partnerships, increasing international cooperation, and promoting cross cultural dialogue; and • encouraging community involvement and empowerment.

3. Canada’s Objectives for WSIS • Focus on mainstreaming “ICT for development” initiatives • Promote partnerships and inclusiveness as pillars for success in era of Information Societies – Canada’s multi-stakeholder model • Reflect Canadian values, policies and program frameworks in WSIS outcomes • Promote Canadian experience, expertise and products at Summit • Encourage continuity, consistency with other international initiatives and Canadian goals

4. WSIS Outcomes:Financing Mechanisms • Built on excellent work by the Task Force on Financing Mechanisms • No shortage of financing, the problem is access • Text emphasizes responsibility of each country to create an enabling environment • Importance of mainstreaming ICTs into National Development Strategies • Urges ICT-friendly policies by IFIs, donors • Voluntary Digital Solidarity Fund • 20 Members; approx. €5 million contributions to date

5. WSIS Outcomes:Internet Governance 1 Significant international agreement on many issues: • Reaffirmation of Geneva principles on Internet governance: • The international management of the Internet should be multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations [paragraph 29, Tunis Agenda] • Security and stability of the Internet are paramount because of its social/economic importance • Highlights importance of “freedom to seek, receive, impart and use information” • Need for international cooperation on issues such as spam, cybersecurity, privacy, protection of personal information and data • Gained ground on costs of international Internet connectivity • Turning the digital divide into digital opportunity

6. WSIS Outcomes:Internet Governance 2 Internet Governance Forum • UN Secretary General to “convene” the first meeting of an Internet Governance Forum (IGF): • Not an oversight body, not to replace existing mechanisms • Mandate very close to Canadian proposal • Positive, development-focussed • To build on existing structures, provide discussion forum, coordination function • Lightweight, decentralized structure, subject to review • Meetings to be held in parallel with others where possible to take advantage of logistics, infrastructure • UN Secretary General to look at a range of options for IGF creation • Review of need to continue within five years • Greece to host first meeting in Athens, 2006

7. WSIS Outcomes:Internet Governance 3 “A Process…” • UN Sec. Gen. will also begin an undefined “process towards enhanced cooperation” before the end of 1Q, 2006, involving all stakeholders, and “consistent with legal process” • The purpose of the process is far from clear – on purpose: • We are convinced that there is a need to initiate, and reinforce, as appropriate, a transparent, democratic, and multilateral process, with the participation of governments, private sector, civil society and international Organisations, in their respective roles.This process could envisage creation of a suitable framework or mechanisms, where justified, thus spurring the ongoing and active evolution of the current arrangements in order to synergise the efforts in this regard. [paragraph 61, Tunis Agenda] • Existing organizations should begin the process as quickly as possible and should provide annual performance reports • The ITU is recognized as a being a source of expertise which may be drawn upon • Most important for Canada: none of the critical functions of the Internet are touched

8. WSIS Outcomes:Implementation andFollow-up Builds on Geneva Plan of Action • Emphasizes need for partnerships, activity at all levels (international, regional, national, local) • Identifies toolkit of 20 approaches for achieving the targets from Geneva Phase. Key elements from Canada include: • Mainstreaming national e-strategies and ICTS; developing enabling policy frameworks, policy capacity; confidence and use; universal design and assistive technologies; youth; community-based development; inclusion of volunteers • Recognition of Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development (IC) and promotion of further development (new indicators, capacity building) • Recognition of StatsCan/Orbicom/ITU ICT Development Index, launch of next phase • Welcomes Connect the World • Follow-up at the International level based in UN system, but with expanded role for civil society and private sector. Global Alliance still being discussed. • Indicative list of facilitators for each of 11 Action lines (based on Canadian position at PrepCom 1)

9. But WSIS was not just about the text… Canadian pavilion: • IDRC, Industry Canada, CePRC, StatsCan, CIDA Canadian participation/announcements: • ePol-NET partnerships negotiated and launched on: community access; e-trade; ICT indicators • Telecentre.org launch (IDRC & Microsoft) • Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development: 2 publications launched • Orbicom: 2 publications launched • Indigenous Peoples’ Event – 6 Canadian aboriginal youth • World Summit Awards: 4+ Canadian winners • e-government; e-health; e-inclusion; e-learning + African youth award • Numerous Canadian speakers in 250 side events Canadian Statement: • Senator Mac Harb

10. Overall assessment Canada made a significant and positive difference: • Set the agenda early, followed up with hard work, consistent representation, solution-oriented approach • A major contributor of financial and human resources • Played leadership role, particularly on Internet governance, but also implementation and follow-up, human rights, freedom of expression • Promoted the Canadian model in negotiations and in partnership events And the rest of the world… • Tunisia seen as overwhelming success – 23,000 attendees • Developing countries satisfied • ICT4D emphasis in many ways became secondary to political agendas

11. Next steps Implementation and Follow-up: • Framework is laid for Canadian agencies, NGOs and businesses to play a full role in implementation Internet Governance • Need to continue work to ensure that Internet Governance Forum, and “The Process” stay within bounds of Tunis agreement • Need to work closely with partners ITU • Play strong role in upcoming World Telecom Development Conference, Plenipot to ensure ITU plays a positive and appropriate role in WSIS follow-up • Continuing efforts to ensure ITU role in follow-up is appropriate, consistent with core mandate