Dear Andy, Thank you so much for sharing with us notes from the WSIS in Tunis. More power! Sincerely, Josie Cacdac Programs Director Informatics Indonesia
Andy Carvin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Notes from opening remarks from Tunisian President Ben Ali this morning at the World Summit on the Information Society. I did my best to get exact quotes but wasn't always able to, so please don't treat this is verbatim. Today, by the grace of God, we open the proceedings of the Tunis phase of the World Summit on the Information Society.... We are firmly convinced at building a knowledge and communication society for a brighter future of all humanity.... This [digital] divide is growing wider... The digital divide is essential a development disparity before it is a technological gap. The need of the least developed countries is growing increasing urgent, particularly in the role of ICTs in education, higher education, science, health, culture and other fields.... These technological developments have confronted humanity with a set of challenges... We must strive to... a new approach to international cooperation. We also look forward to the adoption of practical decisions and proposals to solve the questions put forth by the information society. These last few years have witnessed the emergence of some types of use that shake confidence... in networks. Some arouse racism, hatred... terrorism... Some others disseminate discriminations and falsehoods... and the illegal use of databases.... Without restrictions or constraints, we find it necessary to establish universal standards... of modern communication means. The information society offers individuals large freedoms in the use of networks... for the expression of opinions.... Still, this society requires individuals to commit to responsible use. The effects of the digital divide go beyond social aspects... such as cultural diversity, which represents humanity's true wealth. Communication among languages... now depends on their ability to be available in the virtual space. Statistics show that the current use of languages on the Internet does not reflect cultural diversity... The first phase of WSIS has offered us the opportunity to examine relevant issues and look into the ways and means whereby we'll be able to meet challenges faced by humanity in the ICT field.... Intensive consultants have been held on pending issues.... Regional meetings have... helped enrich dialogue on Internet government and bridging the digital divide. The Internet is one of the most important pending issues that need a consensus in order to serve the needs of all humanity.... as regards to the digital divide, there is a need today... for the establishment of a clear, prospective approach outlining an equitable knowledge society, allowing all people to have access to information and communication technologies. -- ----------------------------------- Andy Carvin Program Director EDC Center for Media & Community acarvin @ edc . org http://www.digitaldivide.net http://katrina05.blogspot.com Blog: http://www.andycarvin.com ----------------------------------- _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message. --------------------------------- Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
