FACT SHEET

The Summit: Why now?

The Challenge
The global Information Society is evolving at breakneck speed. The accelerating convergence between telecommunications, broadcasting multimedia and information and communication technologies (ICTs) is driving new products and services, as well as ways of conducting business and commerce. At the same time, commercial, social and professional opportunities are exploding as new markets open to competition and foreign investment and participation. 

The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the industrial society that marked the 20th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21st century. This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment. We are indeed in the midst of a revolution, perhaps the greatest that humanity has ever experienced. To benefit the world community, the successful and continued growth of this new dynamic requires global discussion and harmonization in appropriate areas.

ICTs can provide a powerful tool for achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for alleviation of poverty, hunger and disease provided that

· access to communications is universal and affordable 
· access to communications is protected as a fundamental right
· a policy framework is in place that is transparent, predictable and encourages competition
· human resources are trained and available

To provide a global economic stimulus, world leaders must recognize the need for an appropriate framework for the Information Society and for cyberspace that

· reduces existing barriers to global transactions
· respects the needs of developing countries
· ensures broad participation in decision-making
· adapts existing policies to the on-line environment

Accelerated deployment of ICT infrastructure can benefit the developing countries, provided that leaders encourage actions now to

· recognize infrastructure development as a priority and as part of national e-strategies
· deploy the most appropriate technologies, building on success stories
· provide financing to assist countries in need to develop their national infrastructure

Global Leaders must take steps to ensure that the Information Society is built on a secure foundation, including:

· necessary agreements to promote and safeguard security of networks
· addressing citizen concerns on privacy, authenticity and linguistic diversity in the on-line world
· curbing criminal and fraudulent use of networks.