World Civil Society Forum

1
World Civil Society Forum

• The Role of Civil Society in promoting an open
  and inclusive Information Society
• David Wortley
• Geneva July 2002
• Email dwortley_at_massmitec.co.uk

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Introduction and Objectives
Information Communications Technologies (ICT) are
creating the most profound societal changes in
the history of man which could lead to a
sustainable and equitable future or the
destruction of the human race. This presentation
seeks to explore the role of Civil Society in
determining the final outcome.
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Why is the Digital Communications Revolution
Different ?
Railways
Roads
Printing Press
Canals
Telephone
Radio
Television
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Citizen Empowerment
The digital communications revolution brings
global access to information and mass media tools
and technologies.
Power to the People
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Observation and Monitoring
Bringing greater transparency to global governance
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Communicating Lobbying
Broadcasting
Electronic Mail
Forums
Mass Media Publishing
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Civil Society Digital Divide
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ICT and Civil Society

• Publishing technology
• Mailing lists
• Collaboration technologies
• Conferencing
• Virtual communities
• Electronic polling and surveys

Civil Society must have access to legitimate use
of the latest Information Communications
Technologies
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Some Examples

• Global Community Network Congress
• Global Society Dialogue
• Global Sustainability Forum
• Community Media Association
• Communities on-line (CONET)
• THE Radio with Pictures Show (www.hcln.net)

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ConclusionPartnerships The Way Ahead ?
The future of the human race lies not in imposing
global governance but in a recognition of our
mutual inter-dependence and a willingness to
forge genuine partnerships across sectors.
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World Civil Society Forum

• The Role of Civil Society in promoting an open
  and inclusive Information Society
• David Wortley
• Geneva July 2002
• Email dwortley_at_massmitec.co.uk