[governance] WSIS Forum 2011

[Louis Pouzin]

In response to Open Consultation: Expression of Views on Venue for WSIS Forum 2011

> a) enlarge the geographic reach of the discussions on the implementation of
the WSIS decisions 

Customarily in open conferences a major block of participants come from 
the host and neighbouring countries. Due to its geographic position NYC 
should attract mostly north americans and a fair number of south americans. 
On the other hand European participation, and primarily African and Asian 
participation should be substantially reduced.

In addition, visa and security controls for traveling to USA are often rated 
as more difficult than in Europe or some other countries.

> b) enhance visibility of ICT debates in UN diplomatic
circles of NY; which may result in better reflection of this aspect in the
relevant UNGA resolutions concerning economic, social, educational and
cultural development, particularly in the least developing countries,
land-lock countries 

Does this mean that resolutions made in NYC could not have been made in 
Geneva, and vice versa ?
Then it would be unclear what advantages, for whom, could be expected 
from any location.

> c) attract new stakeholders, including international
organizations, private sector and civil society organizations active around
the UN in New York, 

Same comments as for a)

> d) enhance participation of NY based organizations,
including, UNDP, UNDESA, UNICEF, UNOCHA and others in WSIS 
implementation and follow-up process.  It should be noted that the move 
of the event to NY may entail some logistical challenges for organizers 
and may add to travel and visa expenses for participants.

Same comments as for a)

Organizing the next WSIS forum in NYC, Geneva, or some other city should 
definitely be based on the preferences of potential participants, specially 
those who do not belong to well funded organizations. 
However, there may appear some constraints due to financial, administrative, 
or political factors. 
These factors should be clearly stated.

In particular, the choice of NYC would appear as a move to bring WSIS matters 
closer to USA powers, while the USA control on the internet has been a bone 
of contention since early WSIS debates.

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