[Chapter-delegates] Meeting summary: WSIS+10 High-Level Event Open Consultation Process

[Nicolas Seidler]

Dear all,

Please find below some key takeaways from the second physical meeting of Open Consultation Process for the WSIS+10 High-Level Event (Geneva, 7-8 October).


HIGH LEVEL SUMMARY

On 7-8 October, the ITU convened the 2nd preparatory meeting towards the 2014 WSIS+10 High-Level Review event, which will be hosted by the ITU following the UNESCO-led event in February this year (part 1 of the Review).

The meeting was open to all stakeholders and aimed to review the input provided during the Open Consultation Process, where views were sought on WSIS Action Lines implementation and upcoming challenges for the Information Society post-2015.

As a reminder, ISOC had submitted responses to the questionnaire, highlighting among several other aspects the importance for any upcoming process to be based on a multistakeholder framework, as well as suggesting that Internet openness be a central consideration for the post-2015 agenda (http://tinyurl.com/isocwsisreview).

Two documents are being prepared as outcomes of the 2014 Review event (note: they will be finalised ahead of the April 2014 Event: no negotiation on site)
1. WSIS+10 Statement on Implementation of WSIS Outcomes
2. WSIS+10 Vision for WSIS Beyond 2015

The ITU Secretariat has provided a compilation of input ("zero drafts") related to these two documents: http://www.itu.int/wsis/review/mpp/#outcomes

Many participants called for more condensed versions, in particular for the Vision statement if it is to be formally endorsed during a High Level Event. The Chair stressed that the objective of the session was to make sure no input was missed in the drafts at this stage.

There were different interpretations during the meeting regarding the scope of the exercise.
For example, some parties stressed that any forward looking/post-2015 elements should be very high-level and avoid referring to possible new Action Lines, arguing that we should not prejudge on any decisions to be made by the UNGA regarding any WSIS follow-up. Others argued that input to the documents should not be limited, in the spirit of a multistakeholder approach.

In the same vein, while the WSIS Review event in February focused on Action Lines related to UNESCO's remit as WSIS Facilitator, there were different interpretations whether the current exercise should adopt the same approach (focusing on ITU related ALs), or look at all Action Lines (as is currently the case). ITU CWG Resolution 1334 (mod. 2013) on ITU's Role regarding WSIS Review was mentioned several times as a possible source of guidance on this issue.

Finally, several participants supported the idea that any future WSIS Post-2015 agenda should focus on leveraging the Internet and ICTs for sustainable development, a theme that was already prominent at the last ECOSOC session.


NEXT STEPS

  *   By 17 November: Comments, proposals and changes in track changes mode on all documents
  *   29 November: Publication of revised drafts by the ITU
  *   16-18 December: Second open consultation meeting (Geneva)

  *   17-18 February 2014: Third Physical Meeting (Geneva)
  *   1 March 2014: Outcomes of the open consultation published on the website
  *   12 March 2014: Final Brief on the WSIS+10 High Level Event

RESOURCES

  *   ITU next steps and deadlines: http://www.itu.int/wsis/review/inc/docs/phase2/WSIS10.hle-ocp_phase2_NextStepsAndDeadlines.pdf
  *   ITU overview of the review process and 2014 High Level Event: http://www.itu.int/wsis/review/inc/docs/phase2/WSIS10.hle-ocp_phase2_presentation.pdf
  *   ISOC submission to the Open Consultation Process: http://tinyurl.com/isocwsisreview

The Internet Society will continue to engage with its members as we make progress with preparations for the WSIS Review Process. We also welcome any members who participated on site or remotely to share their insights as well.

Best regards,

Nicolas Seidler
Policy Advisor
Internet Society
Geneva

www.internetsociety.org<http://www.internetsociety.org>
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