What do we mean by ICTs

2. What do we mean by ICTs? Information and Communication Technologies means all technologies used for communication and information purposes Media such as radio, TV and Internet are also ICTs and play a crucial role in the development of a country and the emergence or not of an open and democratic society.

3. What do we mean by Civil Society? People, institutions, organizations, and individuals who are not part of the business or government sectors.

4. Civil Society Organizations mission People associate voluntarily to advance common interests A civil society exists when people may reach their life�s fulfillment, under a formalized constitutional authority, set into motion by those very same people, and totally responsible to them while governing. The third sector is the vehicle through which a civil society develops.

5. Who are CSOs? Hujras, Jirgas (Shura) Formal and informal community-based organizations Social welfare organizations Social and cultural organizations Non-governmental organizations Associations Professional unions Emergency response organizations Religious and political institutions and groups.

6. Key Issues Engagement in National ICT Policies, the third sector is the end user or potential loser of ICT policies Localization/local content Lack of access for marginalized people particularly women and geographically isolated groups Freedom of expression and ICT Limited ICT use and resources for CSOs.

7. ICTs Role in Civil Society To strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations To increase citizens participation (e-governance) To improve the quantity and quality of information available particularly to geographically isolated people To enhance communication between the public, private and civil society sectors.

14. Media and Communication Employing Non-traditional Information Mechanisms Media Trainings to NGOs Organizing Roundtables for NGOs Technical Assistance

17. Thank You

18. Civil society and ICT development & ICTs and development in Afghanistan Agathe Dalisson Internews

19. Definition of ICTs Information and Communication Technologies. All technologies used for communication and information purposes. People too often limit them to Telecom and Computers. Media such as radio, TV and Internet are ICTs and play a crucial role in the development of a country and the emergence or not of an open and democratic society.

20. Overview of civil society involvement in ICT development since 2001 Since the fall of the Talibans, millions of dollars have been invested by international donors for the development of ICTs in Afghanistan. ICT projects and orgs working in this field since 2001: Aina with 8 media and culture centers in provinces, support for news publications, video production and training, educational mobile cinemas, a school of photojournalism, a women radio station and an advertising and communications agency. DHSA with the Kilid group Equal access and radio Danesh FCCS with the OMFA

21. IMPACS and 4 women radio stations Internews with 31 radio stations across the country and GIPI IWPR with training, online news and research Nai with training and support to local radio stations Pajwak with online news Sayara and internet access in provincial universities as well as campus radios UNESCO with 10 Community Multi-Media Centres to come

22. Why has radio been a preferred tool and what has been its primary role? Radio has been the main educational and public awareness tool since the fall of the Taliban. Through radios, the Afghan government and international community have spread messages about: Elections Public health (family planning, bird flu) Provincial councils DDR disarmament Alternative livelihoods Counter-narcotics Domestic violence awareness Educational material, long distance learning Children's educational shows

23. Impact of local radio development on the development of Afghanistan and its society (Altai findings, March 2005): To various degrees, the local independent radio stations are proving to be an effective tool in reaching under-served communities by: providing understandable programs; fostering interaction between media and the community; and offering on-the-job training to a new generation of media professionals. The local stations are very popular in their coverage areas (with an average 80% with knowledge of the stations and 79% of listenership among surveyed listeners). Overall there are positive signs of integration in the communities. 31% of respondents know who manages the station and 29% have already called or sent a letter.

24. Most Afghans living in areas where there is media coverage are intensive media users: They listen to radio frequently, and for long periods of time. 83% own a radio; 37% a TV; and 6% use the Internet. TV usage is limited by expense of the sets, and lack of electricity. Radio has a predominant role in the country, with very high ownership of radios and usage rates. Radio is accessible and affordable, and most often easily understood even by the illiterate. Media usage is sophisticated: information sources are chosen according to content, which is then cross-checked with other sources.

25. �Before I started listening to the radio, I used to be a very conservative person. For example, I forced my sister to marry a man she did not know. Since then, I have changed and I will let my daughter marry the person of her choice.� Saidullah, 38, shopkeeper Stations have on average reached a high level of trust. They benefit from the general trust in media, and especially in local media that was observed through the different phases of research. That said, trust should not be taken for granted, as mistakes are not easily forgotten. Media are trusted more than other sources of information. Traditional sources are still used, playing complementary roles and often relaying information obtained from the media.

26. Media has a very positive image: it is seen as a source of education and progress throughout the country. Sensitive topics can � and are expected to � be discussed in media, but in the proper way and by the right persons. Media are expected to be a tool for progress in society. They are doing so, in the first place, by providing people a place to discuss their problems. Media are a primary source of education for women, who have specific and high expectations.

27. Women listen to the radio while doing other things, and they CAN turn on the radio and choose which station to listen to. However they generally defer to men when men are home. 86% of men think radio is appropriate for women to listen to, although there are regional differences in this response. No major cultural barriers to media consumption were observed, with the exception of the most conservative areas were television was sometimes criticized, as being �non-Muslim�. Commercials are welcomed, bringing information about available products and prices. Since most Afghan consumers are not familiar with many brands, an empty space is available to the main advertisers (Mobile Phone providers, Tea).

28. Locally-based news and other programs (culture, music, and announcements) are listened to on local stations. National news is listened to on Radio Afghanistan, and international news on the BBC, and to a lesser extent, on Azadi. Mullahs are not generally consulted outside religious topics and in some places are seen more as a public servant than a community lead �We discussed the ban on poppy growing a lot among farmers. Some of us heard on the radio that it is contrary to Islam and that the Prophet condemns the cultivation as well as the use of drugs. Therefore, we decided to stop, but now we know our economic situation is uncertain.� Sa�d, 39, farmer, Nangarhar

29. Importance of government acceptance to include civil society in policy making and ICT development: The AF gov has been extremely open and supportive of NGO work to develop ICTs in the country. We wish to see this collaboration continue.

30. Recommendations to the AF government for ICT development: Working with international donors to ensure continued support to local independent media and make sure support to governmental media does not harm community or local networks. Giving priority to locally driven initiatives in media development, including community radios, for them to continue working on an equality foot with other networks, including ISAF or foreign services.

31. Thank You

32. Nai as Media organization, ICTs and CSOs By Mujeeb Khalvatgar Nai executive director

33. What is Nai ? Nai is an Afghan open media supporting organization which is established in 2004 and started its operational activities on 13 10 2005 The main idea of having an organization by the name of Nai was that to improve freedom of expression and speech as well as improving open media and through it increasing information and knowledge of civil society.

34. Nai and Aims for having Nai Increasing professionalism in media sector Increasing the idea of existing open and independent media Supporting the existing independent media Building media out lets capacity in general

35. Does Nai meet the goal it has established for? By having some discussion through radio and TV toke out the fear from the people mind that it is possible to speak on some issues that people thought it is impossible to speak on it. And also business section of Independent radio stations across the country effected through business development workshops which is being conducted by Nai since 13 10 2005.

36. Nai�s on going activities Training project Media Watch Show games Radio Sada e Haqiqat

37. Training project The main important project of Nai is training project which is called Developing the Media sector in Afghanistan and being funded by EC European Commission and this projects is going on by the partner ship of Internews Europe which is based in France. In training project Nai is conducting 1 to 2 weeks workshops for media professional from across the country�s media outlets The trainings are ranged from computer and English and Pashto languages to journalism, business development, management, human rights, and gender. Family planning, mental health and drug events reporting. Form the beginning of this project until now Nai trained more then 1400 media professionals in various mentioned subjects. Beside the workshops is being conducted in Nai training center in Kabul Nai is conducting in house training in radio stations in the provinces. In house training is focusing more on practical aspect of journalism which is required for radio professionals. The workshops are running by National and international professional trainers. Since 13 10 2005 Nai has conducted 96 workshops in Kabul and more then 20 workshops in provinces.

38. Media Watch Monthly News letter This project is focusing on issues which is relevant to the media, media outlets and media professionals. The sections of Media Watch is getting news from various sources and working on it and then release it for more then 1500 media outlets and professionals nationally and internationally. One of the main effect of Media Watch is that Ministry of defense and Ministry of Interior decided to have a press officer in each province and also Ministry of interior decided to have a spoke person when the media watch released a report about the problems of journalists for finding sources from ministry of defense and ministry of interior as well ministry of public health. Recent mentioned ministry (public health) after three months appointed a person as spokes person for this ministry. Media Watch is also releasing press releases on the specific event relevant to the media and show it rule as a supporting section for media in the country.

39. Capacity building and technical supports to Radio Sada e Haqiqat This project is funded by the Danish embassy in Kabul and aimed to build the capacity of the radio technically and professionally. The project is for six months and started at 15 Jan 2006 In this project Nai is also supporting financially the Radio and pay some of its staff for six months.

40. Show games this project which is conducting show games in Radio stations in provinces and by conducting this quiz or show games distributing radio sets as a price for those people who are wining the quiz. This project is funded by the USAID and aimed increasing the audience of local radios and also gives the chance to people to speak through radio and express their feeling when they are wining and game or competition.

41. Other activities Nai also has a very good and close relation ship with 35 local independent radio station which is established by Internews and working with these radios very closely and solving their problems if they faced with.

42. Planning and future perspective Nai is planning to have some other projects for supporting radios and also other media outlets. The main plans are to establish a radio association and also to make a bogglers association. The other plans are to connect out seas Afghans to the local radios through internet or any kind of ways we can. The World Bank also likes to have a join project with Nai for Afghan media professionals to train them in economical issues reporting.

43. Conclusion By these kind of activities Nai is doing, this idea is growing up that this organization is doing a kind of information spreading and also pave the ground for all people in the country to access to the information and also pave the ground for this idea that people has their own rights and it is people that has the rights to make any kind of decision and take and also spreading out the idea of civil society and also saying the importance of Information and communication technology Although the people now a days getting the idea of how important the Information and communication technology is but Nai is doing more to increase the information of ICT importance in the country.

44. Not only Nai Mention able that it is not just Nai that works for media development in the country there are a lot of Afghan NGOs like Nai that are working in this field and got their organizations in the stage where we are now. We can name IWPR, CIJ, SAYARA, PAZHWAK and so on.

45. Recommendations Recognize freedom of expression Work for freedom of speech to be in fundamental values Increasing the trust on media among the civil society

46. Thank You

48. What is GIPI ? Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI) works in developing countries to promote the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks that will support the growth of an open, affordable and user-controlled Internet � an Internet that can drive economic growth and advance human development. GIPI's local policy coordinators are working in 15 countries to convene dialogue and build informed consensus among all stakeholders, providing objective expertise on policy issues, commenting on draft legislation, and assisting policymakers and civil society in achieving a better understanding of the legal environment needed for the Internet to develop. GIPI Concept and Principles: The Global Internet Policy Initiative addresses a key issue of the decade: Who will control the Internet? GIPI works in developing countries and in Afghanistan to support the adoption of legal frameworks that will enable the development of a decentralized, open, market-driven and user-controlled Internet. GIPI operates through the following activities:

49. GIPI Concept and Principles Consultative, coalition-based efforts, country-by-country, to identify legal and regulatory barriers to Internet development and opportunities for policy reform. On-the-ground engagement through local GIPI coordinators � experts skilled in policy and coalition-building, backed up by Internet policy experts at Political Intelligence and Institute of Information Law. Working with local partners to establish ongoing working groups with key stakeholders (Internet-related businesses, telecommunications service providers, NGOs, government officials, and foreign experts) to develop consensus for policy reforms. Conducting educational seminars on Internet policy for government officials, the private sector and non-profits. Reviewing and commenting upon local policy proposals and providing other assistance to local policy initiatives. Facilitating opportunities, dialogue and negotiation, seeking coalitions and consensus around an open, competitive, user-controlled, non-regulated Internet, and interacting with European stakeholders and policymakers at the EU and national levels. Working with international development initiatives in support of open Internet principles.

50. GIPI-Afghanistan Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI) in Afghanistan (GIPI-AF) is a joint project of Internews Europe (France), the Institute for Information Law, University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), Political Intelligence (Belgium), and the Afghan Computer Science Association (Afghanistan). 90% of the project is financed by the Asia IT&C program of Europe Aid (European Commission) under the name of (Promoting Internet Policy and Regulatory reform in Afghanistan). The GIPI Approach: GIPI works at the local level, country-by-country, to develop and advocate Internet policy reform, based on rule of law, transparency, democratic principles and market-based solutions. While the specifics vary in response to local conditions, we usually aim to create opportunities for dialogue and discussions involving all stakeholders - ISPs, content providers, telecommunications and wireless service providers, NGOs, universities, government officials, and foreign investors.

51. GIPI-AF Activities Laws Related Activity Areas E-commerce (recognition of electronic contracts, digital signatures, tax breaks) Creation of a competitive telecom service market Intellectual property protection Unmet red local phone calls for internet access Minimal ISP regulation & taxation Minimal regulation of distribution & access to content (incl spam control) Balanced privacy protection legislation Reduced taxes on computer hardware, software, literature, courses E-governance, e-government Balanced cyber crime legislation VoIP legalizations Creation of "National ICT Policy" &/or "State ICT Coordinating Council"

52. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study What is VoIP? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)�also known as �Internet telephony� is becoming a key driver in the evolution of voice communications. It is sometimes referred to as the future of communications. VoIP technology is useful not only for phones, but also as a broad application platform that enables voice interactions on devices such as desktop computers, mobile devices, set-top boxes, gateways. This valuable phenomenon is yet an unclear territory in the legal and regulatory framework of telecommunications in Afghanistan.

53. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study What is GIPI doing? GIPI Afghanistan organized a seminar April 20, bringing different players to the table for a candid discussion on the topic of VoIP legalizations. Attendees included international experts, government officials and ISP representatives. The new telecommunications law and Internet/telecom policy of Afghanistan does not mention any VoIP legalization or regulation. Furthermore, the Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRB previously) has banned this service in the ISPs licenses, meaning ISPs can not sell this service to the end user (ordinary consumers).

54. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study What is the role of GSM operators in VoIP in Afghanistan? GSM operators (AWCC and Roshan) are using VoIP technology for backhaul network connectivity from the beginning of their operation in 2001�. But There is no benefit to the end user, or ORDINARY CONSUMERS. The GSM operators, due to their commercial power, have a strong influence on the regulatory regime of the telecommunications sector in Afghanistan. GIPI believes that this monopoly should end as soon as possible. As far as the Quality of Service (QoS) and other things are concerned, let the user to choose what is good for him/her, and after all if the regulator aim to bring �healthy competition and quality and quantity telecommunications service to every afghan� as mentioned in an article of the telecom law, so there cant be a better opportunity then legalizing VoIP.

55. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study GIPI-AF�s advocacy is for a definition of VoIP in which the end user has to take advantage of many benefits of this technology. In other words, there should be no discrimination for the provision of public service to any stakeholder in the telecom sector. The Regulator should be playing a mediator�s role between the stakeholders in terms of facilitating the stakeholder to sit for discussions, debates, and solution findings for the existing problems in a way which should be for the mutual interest of all the stakeholders and at last mile for the benefit of ordinary consumers of the services. Rather then turning its back and favoring only one particular community or stakeholder which is against all national laws and policies which mentions provision of none discriminatory public services for example (continue)

56. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study The National Constitution: Chapter 1 State, Article 10th: The state shall encourage, protect as well as ensure the safety of capital investment and private enterprises in accordance with the provisions of the law and market economy. Chapter 10, Article 17th: Freedom and confidentiality of correspondence, as well as communications of, individuals, whether in the form of a letter or via telephone, telegraph, as well as other means, shall be secure from intrusion. The state shall not have the right to inspect personal correspondence and communications, unless authorized by provisions of the law.

57. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study The Telecom Law has been enacted in pursuant of these articles of the national Constitution: Telecom Law, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article 2: Purpose The purpose of this Law is: To provide further access to Telecom Services to the public throughout the country; To promote non-discriminatory entry of Service Providers and Operators to the market; To strengthen telecom markets in order to promote the quantity and quality of their services in the country; To encourage technology that meets the needs of users and competitors and to prevent abuse of Significant Market Power by Telecom Service Providers and Operators.

58. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study Income Tax Law Chapter 6, Article 65 (Rates of Business Receipts Tax) (2) Taxable services mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) 6 of the Article are guest house and hotel services, restaurant services, telecommunications services and airline services. Ten percent of the income derived from the service provided by a legal or natural person which is 100,000 Afghanis or more per month in accordance with rulings issued by the ministry of finance The national income tax law treats the providers of all telecommunication services in the same way, and expects them to pay the income taxes without discrimination of service.

59. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study Government response: Good news During the recent GIPI seminar, MoC representative (Aimal Marjan), who was talking on behalf of Minister of Communications, said: �Unlike before, the telecom market is mature enough that the government (MoC, regulator) can think and reconsider VoIP legalization for every one.� The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulator Authority (ATRA) has already received H.E. minister of communication�s instructions for doing such survey and case studies, but we still need input and assistance from every one GIPI-AF, ISPs and any body else who is interested to provide us with best practices and case studies so we can decide how to regulate this service.

60. VoIP Legalization in AfghanistanRecent Case Study Outcomes of the GIPI seminar: It was the first time in the history of telecommunications sector that representatives from different sectors with different perspectives and interests discussed the issue together. Seminar participants and speakers requested GIPI-AF to organize follow-up meetings and gathering regarding VoIP legalization in the future.

61. Transparency: Regulatory and legislative processes should be transparent and open. Businesses and individuals should have ready access to all laws, regulations and judicial rulings, including draft laws and regulations, and access to government decision-making processes. Support for Entrepreneurship: Business laws should support innovation, allowing small businesses and other start-ups to achieve legal status and pursue operations without delay. The law should reduce the risk of arbitrary government action and provide certainty, while allowing flexibility. Privatization and Competition: Privatization and competition should be promoted to drive down prices, investments in the telecommunications sector ay any level should be promoted to spur the development of all services, including the Internet.

62. Recommendationsto the Government and Regulators Non-discrimination: All stake holders in the telecommunications market should have access to government services and facilities on a non-discriminatory basis and the regulator should assure this. Independent and Effective Regulators: as mentioned in the Telecom Law the Regulatory authorities of the telecommunications sector should really be independent, and work for the interest of the general public by developing policies and regulations which are effective and feasible Price Reforms and Universal Service: Telephone service pricing policies must reflect costs, encourage investment, and advance the principle of universal service.

63. Recommendationsto the Government and Regulators Training and Public Access: The government should have a strong role in training technicians knowledgeable in telephony, networking, and programming, as well as ensuring that the broader population understands and has access to the ICTs. Taxes: the government must eliminate/reduce taxes on computer hardware, software, literature, courses in order to promote access to computer literacy and ICTs among ordinary people Price Reforms and Universal Service: Telephone service pricing policies must reflect costs, encourage investment, and advance the principle of universal service.

64. Recommendationsto the Government and Regulators Licensing: Licensing procedures and requirements should be made easy and not restrict market entry (The marketplace and ordinary business law are sufficient to protect consumers) Taxes: the government must eliminate/reduce taxes on computer hardware, software, literature, courses in order to promote access to computer literacy and ICTs among ordinary people Price Reforms and Universal Service: Telephone service pricing policies must reflect costs, encourage investment, and advance the principle of universal service.

65. General Recommendations ICTs as Enabling Technologies: all sectors should work for using the ICTs as enabling technologies to all fields of life, not as a restriction of educational and knowledge standard Local Contents: all sectors in every field of life in Afghanistan associated to ICTs should coordinate their efforts and make ICTs available in local contents/languages to promote access to ICTs for every ordinary afghan, even if He/She does not speak English or other foreign languages � We want our computer to talk to us in our own language� Localization Project (ACSA)

66. Thank You