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Thanks to important technological innovations over the last few years in the areas of communication and information sharing, we are witnessing a real transformation in society. More and more sophisticated information and communication technologies (ICT) permit access to faster and more personalized information, thus democratizing the flow of information. These technologies accelerate the circulation of information by encouraging exchange and the development of networks.
ICT’s are a source of knowledge, progress and economic and social development. In fact, the potential is enormous: improvement in the quality of life for everyone. These technological advances should create advantages to fit everyone’s needs, respect for the fundamental rights of all peoples, promotion of international peace, sustainable development, improvement in transparency and capable management of public affairs.
 Strangely, instead of contributing to an increase in everyone’s well-being, we sometimes notice the opposite effect. The gap between those who have access to information and those who do not is constantly growing and continuing to deepen the already existing division between the rich and the poor, instead of bringing them together. We even speak about the digital divide with regard to “the Web”, referring to access to Internet: At the end of 2002, according to estimates by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), there were 500 million Internet users, out of which 80% were living in developed areas of the world. In developing countries, only one person out of 50 has access to Internet, as opposed to two out of five in developed areas.
This divide creates inequality in the ability to inform and to have access to information. It also creates inequality of access to knowledge thus encouraging a new form of illiteracy. Difficulty in access to information, difficulty of information, difficulty in access to knowledge, reduced possibilities for economic growth and unequal distribution of wealth. In this context, it is illusory to imagine achievement of the Goals of the Millennium Declaration…
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) together with the United Nations (UN) is organising a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The objective of the world summit is to discuss the future of the Information Society and how this new dynamic can benefit the world community and be a tool for achieiving the Millennium Development Goals. The World Summit on Information Society has undergone two phases: In Geneva, Switzerland, December 2003, and in Tunis, Tunisia, November 2006. For detailed information, click here>>>>
 At the initiative of the United Nations Association of Denmark, a WFUNA Task Force on the WSIS was set up in spring 2003 to promote awareness of and support for the WSIS among civil society, particularly in developing countries. The Task Force comprises seven United Nations Associations: Denmark, China, Venezuela, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Mozambique and Ecuador. The World Federalist Movement is participating, and the WFUNA Secretariat is supporting and taking part in its work. The seven UNAs have been chosen because of their interest and involvement in the WSIS process and because of their geographical placement and status as developing countries from three different continents. The Task Force is a good illustration of how the use of ICTs may help collaboration between different institutions in different countries. Information on the Task Force can be found at www.una.dk/wsis.
For more information on WFUNA and WSIS, click here >>
In September 2005, the Task Force on the WSIS met in Geneva in connection to the preperatory meeting for the conference in Tunis. In this regard, on the initiative of UNA Denmark, representatives from seven UNA 's (namenly China, Denmark, Ecuador, Mozamique, Pakistan, Uganda and Venezuela) joined by WFUNA secretariat ( Béatrice Lueber) in Geneva prepared a position paper entitled "Empowerment through Networking".
To read this document click here>>
(pdf)
A vital element of the WFUNA Task Force is to support the involved national UN associations in planning and carrying out local activities concerning the World Summit on the Information Society. Here are a few examples:
The UN Association of China
In August 2003 the UNA China hosted a seminar with more than 100 participants from civil society, research institutions, universities and the business sector. The topic of the seminar was ICT for development.
The Ugandan UN Association
In September 2003 the UNA Uganda organised a one-day workshop on WSIS. The participants numbered more than 80 representatives from government, universities, civil society, and the private sector and the key issues in focus were publicising the WSIS process, presenting the government positions on the process, as well as allowing for active participation in a dialogue among stakeholders. A detailed report of the consultation is available. Click here >> (pdf)
The UN Association of Mozambique
The UNA Mozambique is planning a public seminar to disseminate information about WSIS and to strengthen the membership base and capacity of the organisation. The event will take place in the beginning of 2004.
Find out more about the UNAs involved in the Task Force, click here >>
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