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Introduction |
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The International
Research Foundation for Development is organizing its
fifth World Forum in conjunction with the Second Phase
of the United Nations World Summit on the Information
Society in Tunisia, which will be held from 16-18 November
2005. |
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Following
IRFD's fourth World Forum in Geneva, we will make
a modest contribution by creating an environment
for all stakeholders to find ways to transform the Geneva Declaration
of Principles and Plan
of Action into
concrete solutions, while continuing research on
issues and policy considerations pertaining to the
Information Society. To this effect IRFD will host
a series of events, which will contribute to the
preparatory process and the UN World Summit in Tunisia. |
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The major focus of the Tunis Phase
is to find concrete ways of using ICT (Information and
Communication Technology) as tools for development, and
to improve the quality of life around the world. It is
noted that particular attention should be given to the
challenges facing the Least Developed Countries and marginalized
segments of the world population. Issues and considerations
pivotal to three major areas: internet governance; financing
mechanisms; and the issue of media which had difficulty
during the Geneva Phase negotiations must be carefully
examined and debated during the preparatory process of
the Tunis Phase. Furthermore, IRFD recognizes the
complex and intricate nature of these remaining issues
and the importance of conducting continuous research
and policy dialogues in the broad context of information
technological revolution and global transformation. |
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To this effect IRFD will organize a
series of professional events to contribute to the United
Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society,
its preparatory process, and its aftermath effort of
implementing the final plan of action. Therefore, IRFD
invites all stakeholders, and provides a forum to examine
all relevant issues and considerations pertaining to
the information revolution and knowledge society in a
comprehensive and scientific manner which will pave the
way to commitments being made by all stakeholders to
find solutions, share best practices and experiences,
and launch new action programs. |
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Click here to see the Specific Objectives of the IRFD World Forum. |
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| Yak farmers in the mountains of Nepal
are using wireless internet technology (Wi-Fi) to keep
in touch with their families, buy and sell livestock and
exchange veterinary tips. |
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| Photo: Courtesy
of Nepal Wireless Network |
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