[governance] my opening statement at WSIS +10

[Tracy F. Hackshaw @ Google]

Thanks Grace for an excellent job with meaningful inputs by all.

The mention of the challenges faced by SIDS was very much appreciated.

Rgds,

Tracy



On Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 4:31 PM, Grace Githaiga <ggithaiga at hotmail.com>wrote:

>  Good people
> Please find my opening statement made on Monday 25/02/13 during the
> opening ceremony. It was crowd sourced from the IGC, IRP coalition and
> bestbits.
>
> Thanks to Deidre, Ginger, Allon, Anriette, Deborah, Andrew, Trevor,
> Marianne, Nobert and all of you for your support and for your showing
>  faith in me.
>
> *Opening Remarks*
>
> *Acknowledge dignitaries and Participants*
>
> *
> *
>
> As CS, we applaud the efforts being made to provide accessible remote
> participation for this meeting, improving possibilities for inclusion and
> active engagement in this significant global policy process. It is exciting
> that WSIS is setting an example, which strongly supports timely
> interventions from remote participants, and registration as participants in
> the WSIS +10.****
>
>
>  The civil society wishes to note the following developments that stand
> out:****
>
> ·         Enormous growth in number of Internet users, in absolute
> figures, in percentage per country, in global reach. ****
>
> ·         At the same time most people in the world still can't access
> the Internet at all (for reasons of infrastructure, economics,
> disabilities, politics, etc.), or are experiencing censorship, limited
> bandwidth, physical accessibility, etc.)****
>
> ·         Others like the Small Islands Developing States that are
> susceptible to natural disasters have such challenges as ageing
> infrastructure, a lack of universal accessibility with Digital Inclusion
> and scarce resources. ****
>
> ·         Explosion of mobile phone use in particular in Africa, which
> are also facilitating adoption and use of internet. ****
>
> ·         Social media: People increasingly reaching beyond passive
> consumption of information to actively creating and sharing information.There is much
> wider involvement of citizens in debates on information society issues. **
> **
>
> ·         Growing awareness of the impact of policies on how we enjoy the
> Internet and on our lives in general.****
>
> ·         Continued incredible intuitiveness and creativeness with which
> people use, adapt and invent technology—a demonstration that the human mind
> is free. ****
>
> ·         A lot has been achieved in terms of consciousness-raising and
> shifting agendas. A very concrete achievement is the Charter of Human
> Rights and Principles for the Internet that has already been making its
> mark in the wider IG community.****
>
> *
> *
>
> *However:*
>
>
>
> The internet presents a new challenge in thinking about the protection and
> promotion of human rights, protection of the right to privacy, and data
> protection online. ****
>
>
>
> Therefore an understanding of the human rights environment online calls
> for an  understanding of the technical design of the internet and how it is
> shaped by commercial forces as well as looking at the kinds of content it
> carries, and the controls that apply to such content.****
>
>
>
> As we reflect on WSIS + 10, and as someone who comes from Kenya, I can
> attest to the fact that the multistakeholder model endorsed at WSIS IS
> doable and has worked for us. It has deepened efforts to expand access and
> therefore needs to be preserved.****
>
>
>
> There is need for all sectors, all countries to work together to bridge
> divides, tackle issues, and not allow geopolitical interests to prevail.**
> **
>
> ** **
>
> *Conclusion*
>
> The right to information, both to impart and to receive, is a fundamental
> right that impacts every country in the world. While the right to
> information is often regarded as being a "first world problem" that is
> secondary to the right to life, education, and health, neither of these
> rights can truly exist if we don't facilitate every means to achieve the
> right to information.****
>
> ** **
>
> As we take stock let us remind ourselves that this event is not just a
> reiteration of well-worn themes, or a self-congratulation 'festival' but
> that it really challenges and provides concrete examples of how and where
> to implement the WSIS plan of action in a holistic sense.****
>
> ** **
>
> We need to ensure that internet access is universal and affordable, and
> must therefore, be seen as a global public infrastructure. ****
>
> ** **
>
> Any positive agenda for internet freedom will need to address  issues rai
> sed by developing nations as well as being in line with the human rightsvalues,andbe
> negotiated through a multi-stakeholder process. ****
>
>
>
> A long-term objective would be to ensure that the internet continues to be
> a global, interconnected information commons governed in a dispersed and
> participatory manner by its users.          ****
>
> ** **
>
> I thank you for your attention.****
>
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