Corrigendum 1 to
Document WSIS-II/PC-2/DOC/3(Add.1)(Rev.1)-E

22 February 2005

Original: English

 

Proposal from Chairman of Sub-Committee
(Based on work of ad hoc drafting groups)

Revised Chapter Two of the
Operational Part (Paras 18 and 23)

 

18. We are greatly encouraged by the fact that advances in communications technology and high-speed data networks are continuously increasing the possibilities for developing countries, and economies in transition, to participate in the global market for ICT-enabled services on the basis of their comparative advantage. These emerging opportunities provide a powerful commercial basis for ICT infrastructural investment in these countries. [Therefore, Governments should take action, in the framework of national development policies, in order to support an enabling and competitive environment for the necessary investment in ICT infrastructure and for the development of new services

18 Alt 1: and no action should be taken by any country that could discourage, impede or prevent the participation of these countries in the global market for ICT-enabled services.]

18 Alt 2: . We also recognize the importance of removing difficulties regarding the participation of these countries in the global market for ICT-enabled services.]

18 Alt 3: It is imperative that national policies actively encourage the participation of these countries in the global market for ICT-enabled services.

18 Alt 4: Therefore, every action should be taken to remove obstacles that could discourage, impede or prevent the participation of any country in the global market for ICT-enabled services.

New 18 BIS. We take note that the challenges for expanding the scope of useful accessible information content in the developing world are numerous, in particular, the issue of financing for various forms of content and applications requires new attention, as this area has often been overlooked by the focus on ICT infrastructure.

23. 23 Alt 1: [We recognise that there are a number of areas where the current approaches to ICT for Development financing have been inadequate, and the potential demand for financing may exceed existing resources]

23 Alt 2: [We recognise that there are a number of areas where the current approaches to ICT for Development financing have devoted insufficient attention to date.]

These include:

a. ICT capacity-building programmes, materials, tools, educational funding and specialized training initiatives, especially for regulators and other public sector employees and organisations;

b. Communications access and connectivity for ICT services and applications in remote rural areas, small island developing states and other locations presenting unique technological and market challenges;

c. Regional backbone infrastructure, regional networks , Network Access Points and related regional projects, to link networks across borders and in economically-disadvantaged regions which may require coordinated policies including legal, regulatory and financial frameworks, and seed financing and would benefit from sharing experiences and best practices;

[d. Broadband capacity to facilitate the delivery of a broader range of services and applications, promote investment and provide Internet access at affordable prices to both existing and new users;]

e. Coordinated assistance for LDCs and Small Island Developing States in order to improve effectiveness and to lower transaction costs associated with the delivery of international donor support;

f. ICT applications and content aimed at the integration of ICTs into the implementation of poverty eradication strategies and in development sector programmes, particularly in health and education, agriculture and the environment;

[New 23g. The maintenance of ICT infrastructure together with sustainability of Information Society related projects;]

[New 23i. Funding of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs);]

[New 23j. Local development and manufacturing of ICT applications and technologies by developing countries;]

[New 23k. [deleted]

[New 23l. Activities on ICT-related institutional reform and enhanced capacity on legal and regulatory framework;]

[New 23m. Studies to determine the optimal structure and business process change that would be necessary to optimize the impact and effectiveness of ICT projects and projects with significant ICT components;]

[New 23n. Local government and community-owned initiatives that deliver ICT services to communities in the areas of education, health, livelihood support, etc.]