UN Regional Commissions
The Tunis Agenda on the Information Society, more precisely its Para 101 proposed implementation
mechanism at the regional level, as follows: upon request from governments, regional
intergovernmental organizations in collaboration with other stakeholders should carry out WSIS
implementation activities, exchanging information and best practices at the regional level, as
well as facilitating policy debate on the use of ICTs for development, with a focus on attaining
the internationally agreed development goals and objectives, including the Millennium Development
Goals. UN Regional Commissions, based on the request of Member States and within approved budgetary
resources, may organize regional WSIS follow-up activities in collaboration with regional and
sub-regional organizations, with appropriate frequency, as well as assisting Member States with
technical and relevant information for the development of regional strategies and the implementation
of the outcomes of regional conferences. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the follow-up on
the implementation of the WSIS outcomes at the regional level. Session will include the contributions
of the representatives of the UN Regional Commissions, followed by a general discussion. Stationed in
five regions of the world, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Economic Commission for Latin
America (ECLAC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) share key objectives aiming to foster economic integration
at the sub-regional and regional levels, to promote the regional implementation of internationally
agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and to support regional
sustainable development by contributing to bridging economic, social and environmental gaps among their
member countries and sub-regions.