Geneva hosted last 25 and 28 January the 12th meeting of the working group on implementation of results of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
The group chaired by Vladimir Minkin (Russia) began by studying the actions undertaken by the three ITU sectors - Radiocommunications (ITU-R), Telecommunications Standardisation (ITU-T) and Telecommunications Development (ITU-D) - with a view to implementing the WSIS results.
One of the main agenda points consisted of discussion on the ITU's participation in the second meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), held on 12-15 November 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The ITU's participation achieved some of the desired objectives, particularly increasing the visibility of the organisation and its activity. Also regarding the IGF, the group considered the future actions to be taken by the ITU, namely stimulation of the Union's efforts to prepare for the third IGF meeting (in December 2008, in India) and the participation as an effective member in the IGF Advisory Group.
France's proposal to set up an ITU group on internet issues was also the subject of lengthy discussion. It would be necessary to ensure that the ITU's work is effective, given that the Union's activity in this area is expected to increase exponentially due to implementation of the WSIS results and of resolutions 102 (ITU's role with Regard to International Public Policy Issues Pertaining to the Internet and the Management of Internet Resources, Including Domain Names and Addresses) and 140 (ITU's Role in Implementing the Outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society).
Following on the discussion, a decision was made to set up a sub-group to study internet-related issues, which began working during the same meeting. Agreement was also reached that its activity would be undertaken with Benoît Blary (France) as chairman. The member states and sector members can submit their contributions to the sub-group, which will posted on the ITU site; the chairman will be responsible for compiling the received contributions and presenting a report to the next meeting of WSIS group.
Also discussed was a working plan meant to organise the ITU's activities so that the WSIS results can be implemented in 2015.
The group's next meeting will be held in September 2008, with the aim of preparing for the next Council session.
