Public Policy 

Internet Governance

World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)

The United Nations convened the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) to develop a "common vision and understanding of the information society and the adoption of a declaration and plan of action for implementation by Governments, international institutions and all sectors of civil society".

WSIS was held in two phases: the first in Geneva, hosted by the Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003, and the second in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia, from 16 to 18 November 2005.

New Policy Program: ISOC WSIS Ambassador Program

ISOC's public policy activities support our mission by upholding and defending our core values in local, national, and international public policy forums, where decisions that affect the ability of people throughout the world to enjoy the benefits of the Internet are made.

One of the major international forums in which ISOC is currently active is the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). ISOC has participated at all stages of WSIS, and has succeeded in building up significant respect and recognition for our position in support of an open and accessible Internet. Much of this has been achieved through cooperation with our members and partner organizations from across the world.

ISOC is now looking to further strengthen our policy efforts, by more deeply involving members in them. And, at the same time further increase our coverage in the WSIS process by inviting a number of regional ISOC members to participate in the WSIS forums as ISOC WSIS Ambassadors. The ISOC WSIS Ambassador will bring home first-hand experience of the WSIS processes to their country or region and will be expected to continue to drive local ISOC activities in the context of WSIS. The role of an ISOC WSIS Ambassador is to explain and promote ISOC's positions on various public policy issues that are directly related to the themes of WSIS. He or she would be expected to reinforce ISOC's messages by adding their significant local and regional experience and insight to discussions and interventions during the various WSIS events.

To ensure the project is manageable, a small number of individuals (5 to 10) from the worldwide membership will be selected to act as ISOC WSIS Ambassadors. Prerequisites for candidates include a strong interest in issues on the WSIS agenda including some familiarity with the debate around Internet Governance and the work of the WGIG. Candidates must be motivated to help further ISOC's mission through extensive outreach efforts at home as well as in the PrepCom and WSIS Summit.

A further major requirement is that those selected MUST be available to come to the WSIS PrepCom 3 in Geneva, Switzerland and/or phase 2 of WSIS in Tunis. Those coming to Geneva will be expected to be available for the period September 16 to 24 (the first week of the PrepCom as well as two days prior to the PrepCom for introductory and briefing sessions on WSIS/PrepCom and on ISOC's positions). Dates for attendance during phase 2 of WSIS are November 14 to 18. ISOC WSIS Ambassadors will be selected by senior ISOC staff responsible for public policy and will receive financial support for their travel and accommodation during these two periods.

This is an excellent opportunity to interact with Internet stakeholders at all levels while gaining first hand experience of a major multinational, multilateral forum.

We encourage all Chapters and Members to reach out to (other) members in order to identify the most suitable candidates. The selection process will be completed by Monday, August 29th and the ISOC WSIS Ambassadors will be announced shortly afterwards.

We look forward to a successful launch and to seeing you at WSIS PrepCom 3.

Lynn St. Amour, Mike Nelson, Mirjam Kuehne and Peter Godwin