R: [WSIS CS-Plenary] Re: [CS Bureau] Next GFC Meetings

[Claudia Padovani]

Ciao to all, I totally agree with Wolfgang about the need for a letter and
modalities and reference to principle 1 of the WSIS Declaration.
I think this could be an opportunity for us to stress the fact that in both
the Declaration and Plan of Action, as well as for some aspect in the
Implementation Plan under debate, very little is said about the actual role
of civil society as a stakeholder (while governments, IGOs and private
sector are indicted performing specific roles).

This means the rhetoric of the multi-stakeholder prevails still on the
substance and an in depth analysis of its implications (for actors as well
as for democratic processes). In this sense I believe we can refer to three
levels of democratic involvement: information, deliberation and
decision-making (on this last aspect I am not so convinced principle 1
states anything definitive...). 

Seems like the last GFC meeting in June was pretty much an exchange of
information but also a deliberative setting. And it was fruitful. The idea
of being invited as observers to the next one was a way to keep at least the
information dimension alive. Stepping back from this is a major constrains. 

We have several times mentioned the possibility to draw some guidelines, or
indicate some basics for multi-stakeholder practices, both in principles and
action. We could possibly use this opportunity to do this. Basic principles,
as Wolfgang reminds, are already there in the official documents; but
guidelines to turn these into reality would require another effort. I would
suggest among the things to demand:
To guarantee that at least the informational level of participatory practice
is respected, if the principle of multi-stakeholderism is to be meaningful;
To guarantee a sustained and fluent channel of communication between GFC, ES
and civil society (either through people directly involved in the EX or
through a mandate to Congo);
To guarantee that if civil society is not allowed to meetings not even as
observer, justification is given for this;
To ask for a more precise indication of what civil society "participation"
means in the context of the Plan of Implementation.
To push for commitment toward real multi-stakeholder modalities in regional
and national settings (and activities leading to Tunis)

Ciao
Claudia padovani

-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: plenary-admin at wsis-cs.org [mailto:plenary-admin at wsis-cs.org] Per conto
di Wolfgang Kleinwächter
Inviato: sabato 25 giugno 2005 8.29
A: plenary at wsis-cs.org; CONGO - Philippe Dam; plenary at wsis-cs.org; bureau
wsis
Cc: Renata Bloem; Alejandra Mendoza
Oggetto: AW: [WSIS CS-Plenary] Re: [CS Bureau] Next GFC Meetings

 
Dier List, 
 
if CS is excluded officially from the GFC, we should write an official
letter of protest to both Mr. Karkelins and Mr. Utsumi (probably also to Mr.
Annan), arguing, that while we recognize the intergovernmental nature of the
WSIS process, we insist, that principle 1 of the WSIS Declaration of
Principles has to be implemented by all sides, and in particular by
governments.
 
Principle 1 reads :    

"1)    The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs
for development

1.        Governments, as well as private sector, civil society and the
United Nations and other international organizations have an important role
and responsibility in the development of the Information Society and, as
appropriate, in decision-making processes. Building a people-centred
Information Society is a joint effort which requires cooperation and
partnership among all stakeholders." 

 

Principle 1 says clearly, that CS has to be included into policy development
and, as appropriate, also in the decision making processes. While we
recognize, that in this phase, when we move towards a decision making
process, it can be not appropriate, that CS is included (but even this is a
questionsmark), we call for our "right to be informed" which is part of
Article 19 of the Univeral Declaration of Human Rights. We can refer to the
WGIG practice, where "closed sessions" has been open for "onlookers", that
is parties who have a special interest but have no right to speak. The
practicie worked and did not underminde the efficiency of the work of the
group. 

 

It would be a great step backwards, a violation of the WSIS principles by
the governments and a provocation which could lead to (unwanted) alternative
actions in the preperation of the Tunis summit which could undermine the
constructive involvement of all stakeholders bnoth in further development of
the WSIS process and the implementation of the Plan of Action. And it would
be in sharp contrast to the emerging spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.


 

The letter should be signed officially by the President of the CS Bureau and
the Spokespersons we have elected during PrepCom2. 

 

Best

 

wolfgang

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