WORLD SUMMIT ON INFORMATION SOCIETY PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD FROM 17 TO 28 FEBRUARY IN GENEVA

WORLD SUMMIT ON INFORMATION SOCIETY PREPARATORY COMMITTEE

TO BE HELD FROM 17 TO 28 FEBRUARY IN GENEVA

Press Conference to Include Information Society Visionaries

(Reissued as received.)

GENEVA, 14 February (ITU)—- The dramatic development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionized the way people work, interact and conduct their daily lives.  It has transformed the global economy and heralded a new and dynamic information society.  However, it has also created a world of information “haves” and “have nots”.

The second meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on the Information Society (Geneva 10 to 12 December 2003 and Tunisia in 2005) will begin consideration of a draft Declaration of Principles and Action Plan to bridge the “digital divide”.  It will be submitted for the approval of heads of State attending the Summit.

A number of workshops, panels and sessions will be held during the first week of the Preparatory Committee meeting.  These discussions will focus on critical issues to the development of an information society for all.  The topics include:

-- Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and security

-- ICT applications and services

-- Access to knowledge, including cultural and linguistic diversity

-- The role of the different stakeholders (including media) in the

   information society

-- The needs of special groups

-- ICT infrastructure and financing

A press conference on Monday, 17 February, in Room 15 of the International Conference Centre, will be attended by:

14h00 hrs — 14h30 hrs

-- Yoshio Utsumi, Secretary General, International Telecommunication

   Union (ITU);

-- Adama Samassékou, President of the Preparatory Committee for the World

   Summit on the Information Society

14h30 hrs — 15h00 hrs

-- Prof. Lawrence Lessig, Stanford University, author of books such as

   “Future of Ideas” and “Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace”.

-- Dr. Jacques Attali, Writer and President of PlaNet Finance.

-- Maria Livanos Cattaui, Secretary-General of the International Chamber

   of Commerce

15h00 hrs — 15h30 hrs

-- Civil Society participants

-- Following the press conference, the participants will join a

   “visionaries” panel on the Future of the Information Society.  Maria

   Livanos Cattaui will moderate the panel.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The ITU is a worldwide organization that brings governments and industry together to coordinate the establishment and operation of global telecommunication networks and services; it is responsible for standardization, coordination and development of international telecommunications including radiocommunications, as well as the harmonization of natural policies.

To fulfil its mission, ITU adopts international regulations and treaties governing all terrestrial and space uses of the frequency spectrum, as well as the use of all satellite orbits which serve as a framework for national legislations; it develops standards to foster the interconnection of telecommunication systems on a worldwide scale regardless of the type of technology used; it also fosters the development of telecommunications in developing countries.

The ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular, the developing world.

For a complete agenda and additional information about the Committee, please consult www.itu.int/wsis

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