What kind of society do we want for our people? How should we live together? Such questions are the daily bread of politics. The job of politicians is to reconcile ideals with what is possible. Then the possible must actually be implemented. The fact that many countries are fast becoming knowledge-based societies raises questions affecting individuals, the internal organisation of states as well as international cooperation.

The first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society will take place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003. This will be a unique opportunity to develop a world-wide vision for the information society at the highest possible level. The Summit is to result in a political declaration and a plan of action. And since information and knowledge concerns society as a whole, Switzerland particularly supports the involvement of civil society and business in this process.

I am very pleased that my country will host this Summit. I will do my best to ensure that the first UN summit in Geneva since Switzerland gained full membership of the UN will be a success.

Pascal Couchepin