Four months ago, in November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) concluded its second phase in Tunis. Among its outcomes was a Plan of Action that has the overarching goal of expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICT) so that everyone, everywhere, can reap the benefits. Now, at the 2006 World Telecommunication Development Conference in Doha, it is time to begin putting that plan into practice.

ITU has a coordinating role in implementing the WSIS goals – especially in ensuring that ICT development gathers pace. But no single organization, working alone, can achieve all that needs to be done to close the digital divide. ITU estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to even the most basic of services, and there are about 800,000 villages that remain unconnected. To narrow a development gap that still remains far too large, there must be strong and durable partnerships for change, forged among all stakeholders.

With this in mind, we have brought a variety of groups into this ITU conference, both within the formal structure and in parallel events.

The Connect the World initiative launched by ITU is an excellent example of how governments, industry and non-governmental organizations are working together to improve people’s lives through ICT. Around the globe, specific projects are being undertaken, from helping women to run food cooperatives in Latin America, to delivering multimedia to remote Himalayan communities, and harmonizing the ICT market in West Africa. Partnership projects like these can achieve a great deal for communities, but at the same time we need to plan for the bigger picture.

That is the task in Doha. Last November, I described the outcome of the final phase of WSIS as completing one chapter in the creation of a common vision of the future information society. In Doha, we will begin to write the opening pages of what must be a much more detailed chapter on how to implement the WSIS goals. And as well as fine words, there must be action.

What will the next four years deliver, until the next development conference? In order to achieve results, our efforts must be properly focused and our performance must be managed to the highest standard. We must set priorities and measurable goals, and we must commit ourselves to pursuing them. Let us use the momentum that we created in Tunis to carry us forward in our progress towards a truly inclusive information society.

Yoshio Utsumi