Samassekou Paper - English

[Meryem Marzouki <marzouki@ras.eu.org>]

Ref:	President of the WSIS PrepCom	

To all PrepCom-3 participants
Contact:	Pierre Gagné, Executive Director of WSIS	
Tel:	+41 22 730 63 60	
Fax:	+41 22 730 6393	
E-Mail:	Adama.samassekou@ties.itu.int	
		Geneva, 24 October 2003
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Further to the decision of PrepCom-3 and to my e-mail message of 13 
October 2003, please find attached the first version of my "non-paper" 
on the Declaration, which I submit to you for discussion at our 
forthcoming meeting on 30 and 31 October 2003.

As you know, the President of PrepCom was mandated to prepare this 
document, overseeing informal consultations in order to facilitate the 
negotiation process at the next PrepCom meeting from 10 to 14 November 
2003. To this end, I conducted a series of informal consultations with 
delegations, which led to a schedule of informal open-ended meetings 
and a working method aimed at building the consensus, which we all hope 
will be reached on the draft Declaration and draft Plan of Action. I 
asked His Excellency Ambassador Asko Numminen, Chairman of Subcommittee 
2 of PrepCom-3, to chair these meetings, and the host countries of the 
Summit, Switzerland and Tunisia, to act as facilitators.

Following an initial consultation of the countries concerned, the 
points on which views diverge were analysed in greater detail in 
preparation for the open-ended meeting held on 20 October 2003. Under 
the chairmanship of Ambassador Numminen, that meeting was able to : 
identify the main points in the Declaration which required further 
negotiation; determine in most cases the type of approach which would 
need to be adopted in order to reach a consensus; and finally, set up 
informal consultation groups on most of the issues in question. The 
groups, which have completed their work have transmitted draft 
wordings, which I have incorporated in the text attached. Those parts 
of the text where no agreement was reached were left unchanged.

As you will note, I have pursued a participative approach, as a result 
of which I am in a position to submit to you a text, generated by 
informal consultations, which endeavours to take account to the 
greatest extent possible and in a balanced manner of the views 
expressed by the delegations involved.

  To my mind, this emerging consensus is extremely positive. 
Nonetheless, many improvements can and must still be made to this first 
version, and I am confident that we will be able to achieve this at the 
meetings on 30 and 31 October. I therefore invite you to examine this 
text in that spirit and, in particular, keeping in mind the criteria 
which I suggested to the participants in the consultations, namely that 
we aim for a Declaration should be a document which:

1)	expresses at the highest level a political commitment to place 
information and communication technologies at the service of humanity;
2)	offers a common vision on issues inherent in the information and 
shared knowledge society;
3)	asserts the political will to implement the commitments undertaken;
4)	reflects a consensus among all stakeholders;
5)	will be read by national political authorities and understood by all 
citizens;
6)	achieves an equitable balance between the concerns and interests of 
the countries of the South and of the North;
7)	strikes a satisfactory balance between technological and societal 
issues.
I take this opportunity to thank once again Mr Numminen and all the 
delegations which participated in this open-ended consultation process 
and invite you, in line with my message of 13 October, to pursue this 
process in the same spirit of constructive cooperation and towards a 
genuine consensus.
Please accept, Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, the expression of my 
high consideration.

								Adama Samassékou
								President of PrepCom



Annex: first version of the “non-paper” on the WSIS Declaration


  	 	
	
	24 October 2003
	Original: English

Draft Non-Paper of the President of the WSIS PrepCom
on the Declaration of Principles
Building the Information Society: a global challenge in the new 
Millennium


EXPLANATORY NOTE:
ß Wherever applicable, the paragraph numbers of the version of the 
Declaration of 26 September 2003 (WSIS/PC/DT/1(Rev.2B) that were used 
as sources of the new text are provided in parentheses
ß Texts or words left within brackets need further consultation

A. Our Common Vision of the Information Society
1. (1,2)We, the representatives of the peoples of the world, assembled 
in Geneva from 10-12 December 2003 for the first phase of the World 
Summit on the Information Society, declare our common desire and 
commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development 
oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, 
utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, 
communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting 
their sustainable development and improving their quality of life, 
premised on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United 
Nations and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2. (1, 2, 6) Our challenge is to harness the potential of information 
and communication technology to promote the goals of the Millennium 
Declaration: the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; achievement 
of universal primary education; promotion of gender equality and 
empowerment of women; reduction of child mortality; improvement of 
maternal health; to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 
ensuring environmental sustainability; and development of  global 
partnerships for development for the attainment of a more peaceful, 
just and prosperous world. We reiterate our commitment to the 
achievement of sustainable development and to UN agreed development 
goals, as contained in the Millennium Declaration, Johannesburg 
Declaration and Plan of Implementation and the Monterrey Consensus, and 
other outcomes of relevant UN Summits
3. (3-3bis) We reaffirm the universality, indivisibility, 
interdependence and interrelation of all human rights and fundamental 
freedoms, including the right to development and their ties to the 
principles of a democratic society, good governance, the rule of law 
and sustainable development, upholding the sovereign equality of all 
States.
4. (4)Communication is a fundamental social process, a basic human need 
and the foundation of all social organization. It is central to the 
information society. Everyone, everywhere should have the opportunity 
to participate and no one should be excluded from the benefits the 
information society offers. Freedom of expression and freedom of 
opinion, the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas 
regardless of frontiers as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights are the necessary premises of the 
information society.
5. (3bis-4) We shall promote an Information Society, where human 
dignity is respected and our shared values as well as religious, 
family, cultural, social, and linguistic interests and ethical 
principles protected. We recall the relevant provisions of Article 29 
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Information 
Society, particularly the need for securing due recognition and respect 
for the rights of others.
6. (12, 6) We recognize that education, knowledge, information and 
communication are at the core of human progress, endeavour and 
well-being. Further, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) 
have an immense impact on virtually all aspects of our lives.  The 
rapid progress of these technologies opens completely new opportunities 
to attain higher levels of development. The capacity of this technology 
to reduce many traditional obstacles, especially those of time and 
distance, gives us, for the first time in history, powerful tools to 
benefit millions of people in all corners of the world.
7. (6bis) We are aware that technology alone cannot solve political, 
social and economic problems. ICTs should therefore be regarded as 
tools and not as an end in themselves. But, under favourable 
conditions, this technology can be a powerful instrument, increasing 
productivity, generating economic growth, and improving the quality of 
life of all. It can also promote dialogue between people, nations and 
civilizations.
8. (6, 6bis) We are also fully aware that the benefits of the 
information technology revolution are today unevenly distributed 
between the developed and developing countries and within societies. We 
are fully committed to turning this digital divide into a digital 
opportunity for all, particularly for those who risk being left behind 
and being further marginalized.
9. (7, 8) We are committed to realising our common vision of the 
Information Society for ourselves and for future generations. We 
recognize that young people are the future workforce and leading 
creators and earliest adopters of ICTs. They must therefore be 
empowered as learners, developers, contributors, entrepreneurs and 
decision-makers. We must focus especially on young people who have not 
yet been able to benefit fully from the opportunities provided by ICTs. 
  We are also committed to creating conditions that provide for the 
development of ICT applications and services that take into account the 
rights of children as well as their protection and well-being.
10. (9) We affirm that development of ICTs provides enormous 
opportunities for women, who should be an integral part of and should 
be key actors in the Information Society.  We are committed to ensuring 
that the Information Society enables women's empowerment and their full 
participation on the basis on equality in all spheres of society and in 
all decision-making processes, and portrays women fairly and 
respectfully. We should mainstream a gender perspective and use ICTs as 
a tool to that end.
11. (9bis) In building the Information Society, we shall pay particular 
attention to the special needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups of 
society, including migrants and refugees, unemployed and 
under-privileged people, minorities, and those living in remote and 
rural areas. We shall also recognize the special needs of elderly 
people and persons with disabilities.
12. We are resolute to empower the poor, particularly those living in 
remote and rural areas, to access information and to use ICTs as a tool 
to support their efforts to lift themselves out of poverty.
13.  (10) In the evolution of the information society, particular 
attention must be given to the special situation of indigenous peoples, 
and to the promotion and protection of their human rights and 
fundamental freedoms.
14. (10) We shall continue to pay special attention to the particular 
needs of developing countries, countries with economies in transition, 
Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, landlocked 
developing countries, highly indebted poor countries, and countries and 
regions with special needs as well as to conditions that pose severe 
threats to development, such as natural disasters, foreign occupation 
and post-conflict situations.
15. (7-11) We recognize that building an inclusive information society 
requires new forms of solidarity, partnership and cooperation - among 
governments, the private sector, civil society and international 
organizations. Realizing that the ambitious goal of this Declaration - 
bridging the digital divide and ensuring harmonious, fair and equitable 
development for all - will require strong commitment by all 
stakeholders, we call for digital solidarity, both at national and 
international levels. Voluntarism provide a major resource in this 
respect.

B. An information Society for all: key principles
16. (13) We are resolute in our quest to ensure that everyone can 
benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer. We agree that to 
meet these challenges, all stakeholders should work together to: 
improve information and communication infrastructure and technologies; 
increase access to information and knowledge; build capacity; increase 
confidence, trust and security in the use of ICTs; create an enabling 
environment at all levels; develop and widen ICT applications; foster 
and respect cultural diversity; [recognize the role of the media;] 
address the ethical dimension of the Information Society; and encourage 
international and regional cooperation. We agree that these are the key 
principles for building an inclusive information society.
1)	The role of all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
17. (14) Governments, as well as private sector, civil society and the 
United Nations and other international organizations have an important 
role and responsibility in the development of the Information Society 
and, as appropriate, in decision-making processes.  Building a 
people-centred Information Society is a joint effort which requires 
cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders. The media have a 
fundamental role in the Information Society.
2)	Information and communication infrastructure: an essential 
foundation for an inclusive information society
18. (15) Connectivity is a central enabling agent in building the 
Information Society. Universal, ubiquitous, equitable and affordable 
access to ICT infrastructure and services, including access to energy, 
and postal services, constitutes one of the challenges of the 
Information Society and should be an objective of all stakeholders 
involved in building it, in conformity with the domestic legislation of 
each country.
19. (16) A well-developed information and communication network 
infrastructure and applications, adapted to regional, national and 
local conditions, easily-accessible and affordable, and making greater 
use of broadband and other innovative technologies where possible, can 
accelerate the social and economic progress of countries, and the 
well-being of all citizens and communities and people.
20. (17) Policies that create a favourable climate for stability, 
predictability and fair competition at all levels should be developed 
and implemented in a manner that not only attracts more private 
investment for ICT infrastructure development but also enables public 
service obligations to be met in areas where traditional market 
conditions fail to work. In disadvantaged areas the establishment of 
ICTs public access points in post offices, schools and other entities, 
can provide effective means for ensuring universal access to the 
infrastructure and services of the Information Society.
3)	Access to information and knowledge
21. (19) The ability for all to access and contribute information, 
ideas and knowledge is essential  in an inclusive Information Society.
22. ( 20 ) The sharing and strengthening of global knowledge for 
development can be enhanced by removing barriers to equitable access to 
information for economic, social, political, health, cultural, 
educational, and scientific activities and by facilitating access to 
public domain information.
23. ( 21 ) A rich public domain is an essential element for the growth 
of the Information Society, creating multiple benefits such as an 
educated public, new jobs, innovation, business opportunities, and the 
advancement of sciences. Information in the public domain should be 
easily accessible to support the Information Society, and protected 
from misappropriation. Public institutions such as libraries and 
archives, museums, cultural collections and other community-based 
access points should be strengthened so as to promote the preservation 
of documentary records and free and equitable access to information.
24. (22) Access to information and knowledge can be promoted by 
increasing awareness among all stakeholders of the possibilities 
offered by different software applications, including proprietary, 
open-source and free software, in order to increase competition, 
freedom of choice and affordability, and to enable all stakeholders to 
evaluate which solution meets their requirements.
25. (23) Scientists, universities, academic, research and other 
institutions have a central role in the development of the Information 
Society. Many of the building blocks of the Information Society are the 
result of scientific and technical advances made possible by the 
sharing of research results. We encourage promoting universal access 
with equal opportunities for all to scientific knowledge and the 
creation and dissemination of scientific and technical information.
4)	Capacity building
26. (24) Everyone should have the opportunity to acquire the necessary 
skills and knowledge in order to understand, participate actively in, 
and benefit fully from, the Information Society and the knowledge 
economy. Literacy and universal primary education are key factors for 
building a fully inclusive information society, paying particular 
attention to the special needs of girls and women. Given the wide range 
of ICT and information specialists required at all levels, building the 
institutional capacity to plan, develop, guide, monitor, collect, 
organize, store and share information and knowledge deserves special 
attention.
27. (25) The use of ICTs in all stages of education, training and human 
resource development should be promoted taking into account the special 
needs of person with disabilities and disadvantaged and vulnerable 
groups.
28. (26) Continuous and adult education, re-training, life-long 
learning, distance-learning and other special measures, such as 
tele-medicine, are fundamental to benefit from the new opportunities 
offered by ICTs for traditional jobs, self-employment and new 
professions.
29. (25) Content creators, publishers, and producers, as well as 
teachers, trainers, archivists, librarians and learners, should play an 
active role in promoting the Information Society, particularly in the 
Least Developed Countries.
30. (26bis) Partnerships between developed and developing countries in 
research, technology transfer, manufacturing and marketing of ICTs 
product and services are crucial for promoting capacity building and 
global participation in the information society. The manufacture of 
ICTs presents a significant opportunity for creation of wealth.
31. (26ter) The attainment of the shared aspirations of developing 
countries to become fully-fledged members of the Information Society, 
and their positive integration into the knowledge-economy, depends 
largely on capacity building in the areas of education, technology, 
know-how and information, which are major factors in determining 
development and competitiveness.
5)	Building confidence, trust and security in the use of ICTs
32. (27) Strengthening the trust framework including [network and 
information security] authentication, privacy and consumer protection, 
is a prerequisite for the development of the Information Society and 
for building confidence among users of ICTs. A global culture of 
cyber-security needs to be promoted, developed and implemented in 
co-operation with all stakeholders and international expert bodies. 
These efforts should be supported by increased international 
co-operation. Within this global culture of cyber-security, it is 
important to enhance security and to ensure the protection of data and 
privacy, [as well as to avoid the creation of barriers to access and 
trade]. In addition, it must take into account the level of social and 
economic development of each country and respect the 
development-oriented aspects of the Information Society.
33. (28) While recognizing the principles of universal and 
non-discriminatory access to ICTs for all nations, and recalling the 
relevant resolution of the UNGA, ICTs can potentially be used for 
purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining 
international stability and security, and may adversely affect the 
integrity of the infrastructure within States, to the detriment of 
their security [in both civil and military fields]. It is necessary to 
prevent the use of information resources and technologies for criminal 
and terrorist purposes [, consistent with the need to preserve the free 
flow of information] [in accordance with the legal system of each 
country].]
34. (29) Spam and cyber-security should be dealt with at appropriate 
national and international levels.
6)	Enabling environment
35. (33) An enabling environment at national and international levels 
is essential for the Information Society. ICTs should be used as an 
important tool for good governance.
36. (30) The rule of law accompanied by a supportive, transparent, 
pro-competitive, technologically neutral and predictable policy and 
regulatory framework   reflecting national realities, is essential for 
building a people-centered information society. Governments should 
intervene, as appropriate, to correct market inefficiencies, to 
maintain fair competition, to attract investment, to enhance the 
development of the ICT infrastructure and applications, to maximize 
economic and social benefits, and to serve national priorities.
37. A dynamic and enabling international environment supportive of 
foreign direct investment, transfer of technology, and international 
cooperation, particularly in the areas of finance, debt and trade, as 
well as full and effective participation of developing countries in 
global decision-making, are vital complements to national development 
efforts.
38. (39) Intellectual property protection is essential to encourage the 
innovation and creativity in the Information Society. However, striking 
a fair balance between protection of intellectual property, one the one 
hand, and its use, and knowledge sharing, on the other, is essential to 
the Information Society. This balance is reflected by protection and 
flexibilities included in existing Intellectual Property agreements, 
and should be maintained. Facilitating meaningful participation by all 
in intellectual property issues through awareness, capacity building 
and development of legal framework is a fundamental part of an 
inclusive Information Society.
39. (34) Sustainable development can best be advanced in the 
Information Society when ICT-related efforts and programmes are fully 
integrated in national and regional development strategies. ICT-driven 
productivity gains contribute to poverty eradication and sustainable 
development.
40. (35) Standardization is one of the essential building blocks of the 
Information Society. There should be particular emphasis on the 
development of international standards. The development and use of 
open, interoperable, non-discriminatory and demand-driven standards 
that take into account needs of users and consumers, [and are based on 
the principle of technological neutrality,] is a basic element in the 
development of ICTs and more affordable access to them, particularly in 
developing countries.
41. (36) The radio frequency spectrum should be managed in the public 
interest and in accordance with principle of legality, with full 
observance of national laws and regulation as well as relevant 
international agreements.
42.  (37) [We commit ourselves to taking steps with a view to the 
avoidance of and refrain from any unilateral measure not in accordance 
with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that 
impedes the full achievement of economic and social development by the 
population of the affected countries, that hinder the well-being of 
their population, including the benefit from the Information Society.]
43. 	(38) Recognizing that ICTs are progressively changing our way of 
working, the creation of a secure, safe and healthy working 
environment, appropriate to the utilisation of ICTs, respecting core 
labour standards, is fundamental.
44. (39) The Internet has evolved into a global facility available to 
the public and its governance should constitute a core issue of the 
Information Society agenda. 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 organizations. It should ensure an equitable distribution 
of resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure 
functioning of the Internet, taking into account multilingualism.
45. (40) The management of the Internet encompasses both technical and 
policy issues. The private sector has had and should continue to have 
an important role in the development of the Internet [at the technical 
level].
[Alternative 40. 	The management of the Internet encompasses both 
technical and public policy issues.  The private sector has had an 
important role in the development of the Internet.  The private sector 
should continue to play an important role at the technical and 
commercial levels.]
46. (41) Policy authority for Internet-related public policy issues 
should be the sovereign right of countries.
47. (42) [Internet issues of an international nature related to public 
policies should be coordinated
Alternatives:
	a)	between governments and other interested parties.
	b)	through/by appropriate intergovernmental organizations under the UN 
framework.
	c)	as appropriate on an intergovernmental basis.
	d)	through/by appropriate international organizations.
e) through appropriate and mutually agreed international 
organizations.]]


7)	ICT-Applications: benefits in all aspects of life.
48. (43) The usage and deployment of ICTs should seek to create 
benefits in all aspects of our daily life including government 
operations, health care and health information, education and training, 
employment, job creation, business, agriculture, transport, management 
of natural resources, disaster prevention, and culture, and to promote 
eradication of poverty and other agreed development goals. ICTs should 
also contribute to sustainable production and consumption patterns and 
reduce traditional barriers providing an opportunity for all to access 
local and global markets in a more equitable manner. Applications 
should be user-friendly, accessible to all, affordable, adapted to 
local needs in languages and cultures, and support sustainable 
development.
8)	Cultural [identity] and diversity, linguistic diversity and local 
content
49. (44) The information society should be founded on and stimulate 
respect for cultural identity, cultural and linguistic diversity, 
traditions and religions, and foster dialogue among cultures and 
civilizations. The promotion, protection and preservation of diverse 
cultural identities and languages as reflected, inter alia, in UNESCO’s 
Declaration on Cultural Diversity, will further enrich the Information 
Society.
50. (45) The creation, dissemination and preservation of content in 
diverse languages and formats must be accorded high priority in 
building an inclusive Information Society, paying particular attention 
to the diversity of supply of creative work and due recognition of the 
rights of authors and artists. It is essential to promote the 
production of and accessibility to all content—educational, scientific, 
cultural or recreational—in diverse languages and formats. The 
development of local content suited to domestic or regional needs will 
encourage social and economic development and will stimulate 
participation of all stakeholders, including people living in rural, 
remote and marginal areas.
51. (46) The preservation of cultural heritage is a crucial component 
of identity and self –understanding of individuals that links a 
community to its past. The information society should harness and 
preserve cultural heritage for the future by all appropriate methods, 
including digitization.
9)	Media [development]
52. (47) The existence of [independent pluralistic and free] media [in 
accordance with the legal system of each country and] based on the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights [particularly on Articles 19 and 
29] is crucial to any conception of the Information Society. 
[Individuals and media should have access to available 
information]/[Freedom of access to and use of information for the 
creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge are important 
principles of the Information Society.] [Pluralism of information and 
diversity of media ownership should be encouraged]. Traditional media 
in all its forms will continue to have an important role in the 
Information Society and ICTs should play a supportive role in this 
regard. [Formulation of professional and ethical standards in 
journalism is the responsibility of media professionals.]
10)	Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
53. (48A) The Information Society should respect peace and uphold the 
fundamental values of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect 
for nature, and shared responsibility.
54. We acknowledge the importance of ethics for the Information 
Society, which should foster the dignity and worth of the human person 
and justice. The widest possible protection shall be accorded to the 
family.
55. (48C) Freedom of use of ICTs should respect human rights and 
fundamental freedoms of others, including personal privacy, and the 
right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
56. (48B) All actors in the Information Society should prevent abusive 
uses of ICTs, such as criminal conduct based on acts of racism, racial 
discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, hatred, violence, 
all forms of child abuse, including paedophilia, and people trafficking 
and exploitation.
11)	International and regional cooperation
57. (49) We aim at making full use of the opportunities offered by 
information and communication technologies, notably to assist 
effectively in the implementation of the internationally agreed 
development goals, including those contained in the Millennium 
Declaration. In order to build an inclusive global Information Society, 
we will rely on international cooperation in seeking concrete 
[approaches] [mechanisms], including financial and technical 
assistance, to bridge the digital divide.  This will involve 
cooperation among states and other stakeholders, including 
international financial and other organizations.  We therefore invite 
all stakeholders [to join in] [to commit to] the “Digital Solidarity 
Agenda”, [the section of] the Action Plan, that identifies concrete 
actions we plan to undertake and the targets we set ourselves in order 
to meet these goals.	
49bis [Assist developing countries and countries with economies in 
transition in narrowing  the  digital   divide,  creating  digital  
opportunities  and  harnessing  the potential  of  information  and  
communication  technologies  for  development  through technology  
transfer  on  mutually  agreed  terms  and  the  provision  of  
financial  and  technical support and, in this context, support the 
World Summit on the Information Society.]
C. Towards a shared knowledge society
58.  (18) Monitoring and evaluating, with appropriate indicators and 
taking into account different level of developments, is essential to 
measuring the progress in bridging the digital divide, to reaching 
internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in 
the Millennium Declaration, and to assessing the effectiveness of 
investment and international cooperation efforts in building the 
information society.
59. (50) We commit ourselves to strengthening cooperation to seek 
common responses to the challenges and to the implementation of the 
Plan of Action [to be henceforth referred to as the “Digital Solidarity 
Agenda”] which will realize the vision of an inclusive Information 
Society based on the key principles incorporated in this Declaration.
60.  We are firmly convinced that we are collectively entering a new 
era of enormous potential, that of the information society and expanded 
human communication. In this emerging society, information and 
knowledge can be produced, exchanged, shared and communicated through 
all the networks of the world and all citizens can soon, if we take the 
necessary actions, share their ideas, knowledge and know-how to improve 
their common well being. We can together build a new global solidarity 
founded on a better mutual understanding between peoples and nations, 
foundation of a shared knowledge society for the future.