Strategy

1. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): Under the leadership of the ITU and with the objective of addressing the key issues necessary to build a truly global information society, WSIS will bring together world leaders, international organisations, private sector and all major stake-holders. The objective of WSIS is to create a global dialogue, adopt a common vision, and draw a strategic plan for a concerted development of the global information society where all countries and regions of the world will be active participants. Scheduled for 2003, this ITU initiative is supported by other United nations Agencies, the ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution and backed by ITU Council 2000. For more information you may visit the WSIS website.
2. Co-ordinate with ITU. The ITU has taken a leadership role in bridging the digital divide by implementing the Valletta Action Plan. It is imperative that other multilateral initiatives aimed at reducing the digital divide be carried out in co-ordination with the Valletta Action Plan. In addition, with its 189 Member States and core constituency of today's key Internet players, ITU provides a global forum for all information communication technology issues. As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the ITU spearheaded the development and harmonisation of global telecommunications networks and services to the benefit of all. All international efforts to bridge the digital divide should be carried out with the close collaboration of the three sectors of the ITU.
3. Create A Universal Service Task Force. A Universal Service Task Force could co-ordinate a multilateral team to design strategies and policies aimed at the full achievement of universal service. The Task Force would include international organisations, regional organisations and the private sector. The Task Force would be integrated as a UN initiative to execute a Global Universal Service Fund.
4. Create A "Digital Divide" Focal Point. Each organisation working to bridge the digital divide should identify a "digital divide" focal point. Each focal point should co-ordinate the efforts of the organisation he or she represents so that resources can be pooled and activities carried out in the most efficient means possible.
5. Create Digital Divide Website. This Website would include all UN-related activities to bridge the digital divide and include links to activities of other entities such as non-governmental organisations and the private sector.