UN Prepares for WSIS

In preparation for the next WSIS conference, the United Nations has issued several releases on technology in the developing world. The second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is scheduled to take place from 18 to 25 November in Tunisia's capital, Tunis.

K.Y. Amoako, chief of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) chief KY Amoako said: "As we head to Tunis, Africa should be able to provide access [to ICT] within walking distance of all its people." African countries should take up the urgent challenge of becoming major actors in the Internet governance debate and help shape development goals, particularly in trade and business, he said.

In a related release, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) earlier this month convened 150 media professionals, policy-makers and freedom of expression advocates to consider ways of safeguarding freedom of expression on the Internet. The meeting was scheduled to hear from speakers on topics ranging from freedom of expression on the Web, to the use of the Internet in the political process and whether legitimate concerns, such as fear of terrorism, could justify limiting the free flow of information.

Other subjects to be covered include the impact and social consequences flowing from restrictions and regulations on news media on the Internet, and the issue of continuing to contribute content to the Internet despite the codes some are trying to impose.