19 / 208
Governments need to take decisions on the place of ICT in
their development policies. Based on that, international organi-
zations can help governments implement their policies in
collaboration with the private sector and civil society. In this
context, it is important to encourage the cooperation of all players
so that they complement the activities and efforts of each other,
rather than competing. There is much to be done, providing innu-
merable opportunities for all players to make a difference. Joint
efforts can maximize the impact and efforts of all.
Achieving successful results will continue to require a
concerted effort by governments, international organizations,
companies and civil society, working together to provide an
improved environment for the information society in both devel-
oping and developed countries around the world as well as
within and between populations of people. The decisions taken
through the WSIS process should be integrated into other activ-
ities and bodies working on related issues to maximize the
impact of the important work that has been conducted, and for
the benefit of all stakeholders.
The WSIS process has been a catalyst. It has served to raise aware-
ness and provide a direction to follow regarding the facilitation of
the Information Society. However, a difference can only be made if
the ideas are implemented. This will require commitment and
action on the part of local, regional and national governments, the
private sector and civil society with the assistance of regional and
international organizations.
[
] 19
agency addresses WSIS issues. These issues are cross-cutting and
covered by many different UN agencies and other international
bodies as well as by the private sector and civil society. The
creation of efficient and effective implementation mechanisms,
including all stakeholders and providing an efficient cooperation
framework, has therefore been a major challenge for the
Preparatory Committee.
There are a number of references to the internationally agreed
Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) in the WSIS documents
and we actively worked on integrating WSIS issues into the MDG
review process. The report of the UN Secretary-General addressed
the role of information and communication technology (ICT) and
emphasized the important role they play as enablers of develop-
ment. Our goal was to make sure that WSIS, and more specifically
the issues related to the work of WSIS, were mentioned in the
documents adopted in September 2005 by the UN high-level
meeting as they review progress on the MDGs. This was achieved.
Over the past couple of years, there have been significant ICT
developments all over the world, in particular in developing
countries. The number of mobile telephone users has doubled
and Internet users exceed one billion. While these achievements
were certainly not a direct result of WSIS, they illustrate that
many players are responsible for implementing ICT strategies.
The role of government is to facilitate and create the environ-
ment to allow for the growth and use of ICT as a tool for
development.
Photo: UNV/Jean-Baptiste Avril