With the rapid spread of connectivity to information and communication technologies (ICTs) now reaching to even the Least Developed Countries, this year’s WSIS Forum will look at how innovation in ICTs can bridge the development gap in key areas like governance, health, education, women’s empowerment and the environment. The Forum will also address emerging issues like the right to communicate, social media as a tool for development, and cybersecurity.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2011 will focus on the theme of Better life in rural communities with ICTs. See www.itu.int/wtisd/index.html.
What:
World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2011, hosted by ITU and co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNCTAD and UNDP
When:
16-20 May 2011
Where:
Conference Centre, ILO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Why:
This year’s Forum will offer a diverse range of interactions, including High-level Dialogues, WSIS Action Line Facilitation Meetings, interactive sessions, thematic workshops, country workshops, knowledge exchanges and exhibitions. Full programme details can be found at: www.wsis.org/forum
Who:
The Forum will attract some 800 representatives from 140 countries spanning government, the private sector, civil society and UN agencies. More than ten Ministers, five Deputy Ministers and many senior government representatives and Members of Parliament are expected to attend.
Media information:
UN press accreditation is valid, but UN-accredited media must register in order to obtain an event badge at: http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2011/Register/MediaAccreditationProcedure.aspx
All other media are invited to apply for accreditation online here.