The world’s first information summit opened in Geneva on Wednesday, hoping to help bridge the technology gap between rich and poor countries and devise a new framework to govern the unruly internet.
After months of wrangling over key issues such as how to close the digital divide, delegates from 175 countries, including about 40 heads of state, convened in this western Swiss city for the United Nations-sponsored World Summit on the Information Society, which runs until Friday.
“We are going through a historic transformation in the way we live, learn, work, communicate and do business,” said UN Secretary General Koffi Anan, in a prepared speech for the opening ceremony.
“We must do so not passively, but as makers of our own destiny,” he said.
In total, about 13 000 people including representatives from industry and NGOs are expected at the conference, which will explore issues thrown up by the growing use of technology — such as mobile phones, the internet and electronic media — to access information.
But many world leaders chose to shun the event with the exception of a few well-known names such as Zimbabwe’s embattled President Robert Mugabe, who arrived in Geneva on Tuesday after pulling his country out of the Commonwealth, the group of 53 mainly former British colonies.
“This summit is unique. Where most global conferences focus on global threats, this one will consider how best to use a new global asset,” said Annan.
The challenge for the governments involved is clear: to establish a global framework to enable all countries to enjoy the benefits of the information age.
But disagreements over the way to achieve this goal has prevented delegates from drafting a strong plan of action and declaration of principles to be endorsed by delegates on Friday. — Sapa-AFP
WSIS special report