Side event WSIS PrepCom II in Geneva (Switzerland):

ICTs can make a difference in reducing poverty and reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The practical experience as well as the lessons learned around the globe demonstrate their great potential through enhancing empowerment, opportunity and security. This potential contrasts, however, with the relatively modest pro poor ICT implementation level in practice. Why this gap between the potential and the achievements in the ICT contribution to reach the MDGs? What key barriers impede the implementation of declarations? How can we multiply, upscale and replicate successful pilot projects? The "Chennai Statement" presents – in a nutshell – the insights of development practitioners and policy makers who met for a MSSRF/SDC sponsored expert group meeting from 17-19 November 2004 in Chennai, India, to discuss latest lessons and trends in up-scaling of pro-poor policies and practices. The statement contributes to a multi-dimensional poverty reduction agenda for the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Principles and Action Plan to be closely linked to of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The draft of a MSSRF/SDC Study on "Up-scaling Pro-Poor ICT-Policies and Practices" served as background for the Chennai meeting. The final study report will be released at the event on February 18, 2005.

Date: Friday, February 18, 2005

Time: 13.15 – 14.45

Venue: Palais des Nations, Salle XI (wing AB 3rd floor)

Hosts: MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Swiss Agency fro Development and Cooperation (SDC), Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP)

Form: Panel (speakers plus chair)

Audience: Representatives of multilateral agencies, bilateral donor agencies, civil society organisations, private sector (50 – 100)

Languages: English, simultaneous translation into French and Spanish

Provisions: Sandwiches and drinks for registered participants are provided between 12.30 and 13.15 at the Bar XIII-XV (one floor below the location of the plenary hall and the room of the discussion)

- Mr. Walter Fust, Director General SDC/GKP Chair Executive Committee, Switzerland (Chair)

- Mr. Adama Samassekou, President of the PrepCom of the Geneva Phase of the WISIS, Mali

- Mr. Subbiah Arunachalam, Distinguished Fellow, MSSRF, India

- Ms Radhika Lal, Special Advisor (poverty reduction, MDGs and ICT), UNDP, USA

- Mr. Indrajit Banerjee, Secretary General Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), Singapore

sonja.zimmermann@gersterconsulting.ch