Civil society participation
Post-Wsis Spaces For Building A Global Information Society
1. Introduction
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) took place in two stages, one ending in Geneva in 2003 and the other ending in Tunis in 2005. The Geneva Summit produced two outcome documents, the Geneva Declaration of Principles (ITU, 2003a) and the Geneva Plan of Action (ITU, 2003b). The Tunis Summit also produced two outcome documents, the Tunis Commitment (ITU, 2005a) and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society (ITU, 2005b).
These documents are the key reference points for the follow-up and implementation of the WSIS outcomes.
Themes
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Report Year
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives and main activities
ICANN is responsible, at the overall level, for the administration of three sets of unique identifier systems for the internet: domain names, numerical internet protocol (IP) addresses, and a third type that serves to identify so-called port and parameter numbers.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Report Year
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives and main activities
The UNDP[1] describes itself as “the UN's global development network, an organisation advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.” With a staff of almost 5,000, it has national offices in 166 countries.
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
Report Year
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives and main activities
According to its Constitution, the purpose of UNESCO [1] is:
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
Report Year
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives and main activities
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) [1] is the United Nations specialised agency that coordinates international treaties regarding intellectual property rights. Its 184 member states comprise over 90% of the countries of the world, who participate in WIPO to negotiate treaties and set policy on intellectual property matters such as patents, copyrights and trademarks.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Report Year
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives and main activities
The overall objectives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are to promote the development of telecommunication networks and access to telecommunication services by fostering cooperation among governments and a range of non-governmental actors that includes network operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, scientific and technical organisations, financial organisations and development organisations.
The ITU’s main activities include: