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January 2008

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Commission on Science and Technology for Development

Inter-sessional Panel Meeting on

Science, technology and engineering for innovation and capacity-
building in education and research;

Development-oriented policies for socio-economic inclusive
information society, including access, infrastructure and an enabling
environment; and

Follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society

Putra World Trade Centre
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28-30 November 2007

Summary report prepared by the UNCTAD secretariat1

1 This paper summarizes the Panel's discussions; it does not necessarily reflect the views of the
UNCTAD Secretariat.

I. INTRODUCTION

1.
At its tenth session held in May 2007, the Commission on Science and
Technology for Development (CSTD) selected the following substantive themes for
its 2007-2008 inter-sessional period:
� Development-oriented policies for a socio-economic inclusive information
society, including access, infrastructure and an enabling environment;
� Science, technology and engineering for innovation and capacity-building in
education and research; and
� Progress made in the implementation of and follow up to the outcomes of the
World Summit in the Information Society at the international and regional
levels..

2.
To help address these themes, a panel meeting was organized by UNCTAD, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of
Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from 28 to 30 November 2007. The aim of the panel
meeting is for experts from members of the Commission, aided by resource persons
from relevant organizations within and outside the United Nations system, to study in
depth the various issues related to the substantive themes so as to formulate
suggestions for consideration by the Commission at its eleventh session.

II. ORGANIZATION OF WORK

3.
The CSTD panel meeting was attended by members of the Commission, other
national representatives and representatives of nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs). Also present were the Honorable Minister of Science, Technology and
Innovation of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis and three resource persons,
Dato' Ir. Lee Yee-Cheong, former President of the World Federation of Engineering
Organizations; Ms. Rinalia Abdul Rahim, Executive Director of the Global
Knowledge Partnership; and Mr. Faez Ahmed, Executive Director of Humanity First.
(See Annex for the full list of participants.)

4.
The documentation for the meeting included issues papers prepared by the
UNCTAD Secretariat and print copies of the presentations given by the participants.
All the meeting documents will be made available online at the Commission on
Science and Technology for Development site www.unctad.org/cstd.

3

II. THEME 1: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING FOR
INNOVATION AND CAPACITY-BUILDING IN EDUCATION AND
RESEARCH

Introduction

5.
The UNCTAD Secretariat made a presentation on the issues paper on the first
substantive theme, "Science, technology and engineering for innovation and capacity-
building in education and research." Science, technology, and innovation (STI)
capacity-building were cited as powerful tools in the alleviation of poverty through
the creation of employment opportunities, growth of indigenous firms, and increases
in agricultural productivity as well as the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).

6.
The paper highlighted that though there is wide consensus that technological
innovation is a driver and critical source of sustainable economic growth in the new
millennium, many developing countries have yet to benefit from the promises of
science and technology. More than half of the world population lives on less than $2 a
day,2 and nearly 30,000 people in the developing world die from treatable diseases
each day. Many children die of illnesses such as diarrhea that could easily be
prevented with access to safe drinking water or treated with some basic medical
knowledge.3 Nearly 1.5 billion people lack access to clean water.

7.
The concept of innovation systems and indicators of innovative-capacity were
presented to illustrate ways that science, technology, and innovation could be put to
the service of development. In particular, it was noted that within the innovation
systems model, innovation is not concentrated within any single institution, but
operates within and among the interactions of the various actors in the innovation
system. Overall, the developing world lags the OECD countries in virtually all
innovation indicators and particularly the inputs and outputs to the innovation system
such as access to finance, human resources, patents, licensing, etc.

8.
Effective science, technology and innovation policies for capacity-building are
key to decrease the gaps between the OECD countries and the developing world. The
paper emphasized that STI policies should not be limited to technology transfer or
pure scientific research. Rather, they should focus on proactive technological learning
by domestic firms, as well as commercial innovation. The key is to find the right
balance between the creation of new knowledge and building the capacity to absorb
and adopt existing knowledge.

9.
Specific STI policies at the national level include: identifying national STI
capacity building goals and priorities; providing financial incentives for innovation;
assessing, strengthening, and creating STI institutions; creating local S&T career
opportunities; establishing and encouraging multi-sector innovation linkages;
educating an S&T literate labor force; and engaging the media on STI issues.

2 Website of the Millennium Development Goals, http://www.developmentgoals.org/Poverty.htm
3 Oxfam International website, http://www.oxfam.org.uk/about_us/thisisoxfam/healthy/.

4

10.
The paper suggested that the regional STI capacity-building should focus on
developing regional research and education networks. International efforts should
seek to facilitate the availability of knowledge-based aid and S&T information to the
developing world as well as encouraging international scientific and technological
networks.

CSTD as a Torchbearer for Innovation

11.
One resource person4 delivered a presentation targeted at specific options for
making CSTD the United Nations torch bearer in innovation through the application
of science, engineering and technology (S.E.T) for development in general and for the
MDGs in particular. This was supported by most participants.

12.
In order for developing countries to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic
growth, particularly through trade, they must possess basic infrastructure (i.e. roads,
schools, water, sanitation, irrigation, clinics, telecommunications, energy etc.) and
basic industries, namely small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for supply of goods
and services to agricultural and natural resources exploitation industries and
infrastructure implementation. Trade cannot flourish without physical connectivity for
transportation facilities, electronic connectivity of communications, and indigenous
SMEs that underpin trade and commerce. Moreover, the resource person promoted
"infrastructure and technological learning" as a proactive way forward for CSTD.

13.
He urged CSTD and other international organizations to develop an action-
based agenda for harnessing STI for development. In recognition of the limited
resources of UNCSTD, he suggests that the Commission make use of Malaysia as the
hub for "infrastructure and technological learning" through initiatives, such as that
MOSTI is planning to launch in collaboration with UNESCO. He proposed that
CSTD could initiate a discussion on South-South mobility of S&T professionals to
address and redress the critical problem of brain drain. CSTD could also be a co-
organizer for the World Science Congress in 2009, with UNESCO and the Hungarian
Academy of Sciences on STI input into "WCS+10." Finally, he urged CSTD to enlist
more participation from the private sector and other stakeholders to further promote
innovation.

ICTs Empowering Science, Technology and Engineering for Innovation and
Capacity-Building

14.
A second resource person5 delivered a presentation on the Iraqi Virtual
Science Library as an example of STI capacity building. He brought attention to the
common themes of S&T, ICTs for Development, Innovation and Knowledge Society
around the world. In line with the global themes, the Iraqi Virtual Science Library
(IVSL) project was developed to support capacity building in Iraqi science,
engineering education and research; enhance S&T capabilities critical to the future of
Iraq; (re)connect Iraq with current S&T data, information and core research papers,

4 Dato Lee Yee-Cheong, Former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations
(WFEO) and Co-Chair of the UN Millennium Project "Science, Technology and Innovation" Task
Force
5 Andrew W. Reynolds, Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the United States Secretary of
State

5

colleagues, collaborators in the international science and engineering communities;
foster more cooperation and mutual understanding through promotion of science and
engineering; and develop regional and institutional training programmes to support
the use of the library.

15.
The IVSL provides organized, single portal access to over 17,000 journals
from major publishers, professional societies, free publications, and online course
material and books. It also provides millions of full text articles and research papers as
well as digital resources from US Government. IVSL is a public-private partnership
funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of
State, implemented by the U.S. National Academy of Science and Civilian R&D
Foundation, and partnered with the U.S. Scientific Society Publishers, leading
international academic publishers, and professional societies and other US Agencies.

16.
In the first phase of IVSL's implementation, the U.S. National Academies of
Science (NAS) negotiated for journal licenses, oversight & implementation of training
programmes based on a precedent programme with Pakistan. In Phase II, Iraqi
universities, in coordination with the NAS identified appropriate persons for IVSL
training who can train other users, ensured adequate infrastructure and promotional
activities placed to optimize user access to the IVSL, coordinated technical and
content issues, and promoted coordination between universities and other parts of the
Iraqi S&T community using the IVSL.

17.
IVSL was officially launched on 3 May, 2006 at www.ivsl.org. In 2006,
124,954 scientific articles and research papers were downloaded. In 2007, the figure
reached 135,223 (through 9/07). By 2009, the Iraqi Government will assume control
of the IVSL project. CSTD members expressed interest in further knowing how such
an initiative could be replicated with other countries.

18.
The resource person suggested that CSTD develop a global inventory and
taxonomy of existing ICT activities directed at empowering science and engineering
for development, education, research and innovation. Other activities for CSTD could
include publicizing its multi-year agenda to enlist new members and supporting
efforts by UNCTAD to undertake STIP reviews in collaboration with the World Bank
and UNESCO. Finally, he suggested that CSTD partner with UNESCO, the African
Union (AU), the Organization of American States (OAS), the World Federation of
Engineering Organizations (WFEO), and other international and regional
organizations to foster more public/private partnerships for ICT-based science and
engineering capacity-building, develop national policies and indicators for innovation,
and promote S&T for Development as a future UNGA theme.

Malaysia's Transition to an Innovation-based Economy

19.
The Honorable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia6
made a presentation on Malaysia's transition to an innovation-based economy. The
driver of Malaysia's growth over the past fifty years has been attributed to raw
materials (rubber and palm oil) and cheap labor, helping to create jobs after
independence. However, if Malaysia does not radically restructure itself

6 Dato' Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis

6

economically, it would not forge ahead to become an advanced country. With
Malaysia weak in R&D spending, numbers of patents registered, availability of
venture capital, and the creation of jobs from the commercialization of science, the
country is looking to strengthen its capacity to innovate. More than the need to
diversify economically, the Minister also pointed to the increasing regional
competition with India and China. Urban China, for example, is growing three times
faster than Urban Malaysia.

20. To facilitate Malaysia's transition from a resource-led economy to an
innovation-led economy, critical success factors include technology, market, and
funding (risk capital). In particular, the Minister specified two models that Malaysia is
pursuing simultaneously: the Market-Driven Model and the Innovation-Driven Model.
The market-driven driven model is where Malaysia acquires technology for quick
market penetration. In the technology-driven model, Malaysia develops technology in
the traditional linear process of moving from science to technology to market.

21.
He mentioned that the traditional (linear) model that starts with R&D and
moves to product development takes too long. The market-driven model is about
seeking market opportunities and working backwards. The market-driven model also
reduces the risks of product development to that of funding alone, assuming that the
technology and market potential are available. However, the Minister also noted that
the technology-driven model, which is more long-term, is necessary because other
countries are not eager to give away their technology. Finally, it was clear that each
country should strike a balance between the traditional linear model and the market
driven model.

Role of Engineering

22.
In discussing the first theme, participants highlighted that though science and
technology (S&T) education and research are vital ingredients to foster innovation in
a knowledge economy, they are by no means sufficient. This was evidenced in many
middle income developing countries where there are many inventions but few
innovations. Though there are many reasons for this disconnect, one of the major
missing factors is engineering skills. Panelists noted that engineering is absolutely
necessary in most instances to take research and development (R&D) results into the
market place.

23.
To improve the quality, quantity and relevance of engineering in Jamaica, one
delegate indicated that the island has joined three other countries in the region, under
an Inter-American Development Bank and Organisation of American States initiative,
to improve and unify engineering accreditation in the Greater Caribbean. The idea is
to create a better qualified engineering and technological workforce, which will
facilitate both the improved capability of people and work, as well as the possibilities
for much higher cross-border activities, enabling the engagement of international
companies, and the attraction of foreign direct investment.

Commercialization, Entrepreneurship, and Risk-Taking in Innovation

24.
In a number of developing countries, universities are now expected to be more
engaged in the practical problems of the society and special funds and initiatives are

7

being contemplated to foster these types of arrangements and relationships. For
example, the Sri Lankan government is implementing a crash programme aimed at
establishing 300 Science and Technology "Vidatha" centres in the villages. These
centres are manned by science graduates who are expected to provide a conduit to
entrepreneurs in the village through which new, marketable, low-level technologies
emanating from local research could be accessed and commercialized. The centres
seek to help entrepreneurs find solutions to scientific and technical problems they face
in setting up small enterprises.

25.
Participants noted that in many of the developing countries there is a lack of
support for R&D and innovation. Without changing this mindset, there is no potential
for innovation in the developing world. Novel ideas have to be supported for
entrepreneurship and innovation to thrive. In this regard, new approaches must be
contemplated to account for risk-taking and the associated inevitability of failures.

S&T Literacy

26.
Many of the participants cited the need to make their respective countries
literate in math, science, and technology. Developing countries are facing the serious
problem of declining enrolment in science courses in secondary schools and
universities. Panelists stressed the need to promote S&T literacy at the earliest levels,
including primary and secondary school, as "basic infrastructure" for enabling
innovation in their countries.

27.
One example was provided of how the U.S. addressed declining science
education by focusing on the empowerment of teachers in general. The key elements
of the programme were providing the right financial incentives and respect for the
teachers. Without proper teachers, one panelist noted, there will not be sufficient
training in S&T literacy.

Funding of Innovation

28.
Participants reiterated the need to support R&D to foster innovation. One
delegate highlighted the case of Brazil, where the Government established 13 sectoral
funds for S&T. Brazil is currently planning to increase funding for R&D from 1.2%
of GDP to 1.5% of GDP

29.
Others stressed the need for more innovative financing mechanisms, including
venture capital. Several panelists suggested that developing countries to adapt some of
the venture capital models from the more developed countries, with possible
assistance from international venture capitalists to help local venture capitalists adopt
similar investment strategies.

Mobility of S&T Human Resources

30.
Many representatives noted the challenge of "brain drain." Currently, there is a
disturbing worldwide trend which shows that enrolment in engineering courses in
universities is declining. This has been particularly evident in developing countries
with the related phenomenon of closure of engineering departments in universities and
institutions of higher learning.

8

31.
Developing countries thus suffer on three counts. First, they do not produce
enough scientists, engineers and technologists for their own requirement as their
education and training infrastructure is inadequate to cope with the growing demand.
Secondly, they spend scarce resources in sending their students for expensive S&T
courses in developed countries. Thirdly, there is the constant S&T "brain drain", of
usually the best and the brightest, to the developed countries.

32.
One option offered was to tap talent from those countries where large
population and large geographical spread or both require the production of large
number of S&T professionals to satisfy their own development needs. Such countries
are South Africa, India, China, Mexico and Brazil to name but a few. If these
countries were to offer their training facilities to scientists from other parts of the
developing world, it would not strain their engineering and educational resources, but
would be of great help to other developing countries. When the engineering
qualifications from the above-mentioned major producers of engineers and
technologists are accepted first regionally and then worldwide, these countries will
provide accessible and affordable engineering education and training facilities for
students from other developing countries. It is thus very much a win-win situation for
the whole developing world.

Regional and International Approaches to STI Capacity-Building

33.
Participants highlighted the need for regional cooperation in addressing issues
that cut across several countries in a common geographical area.7 It was suggested
that collaboration go beyond the regional approach to an international approach,
where countries not necessarily in the same region collaborate on R&D to address
similar concerns related to water, energy, and other issues. These countries can
perhaps develop common solutions to their commons problems outside of the
conventional regional approach.

Innovation-based Models of Development

34. Several participants were concerned about growth-only approaches to
innovation and development in developing countries. Some panelists pointed to the
fact that "catching up" with the developed world in terms of GDP will not necessarily
solve problems that the developed world still suffers from, like poverty, inequality,
and environmental concerns. It was noted that focusing on GDP is important, but it is
not sufficient to address the needs of the poor. A development-oriented approach is
critical for enhancing the quality of life for all. Others noted that socially-driven
innovation and market-driven innovation are not necessarily at odds. Overall,
participants highlighted the need to tie STI to poverty reduction. The Least Developed
Countries Report 2007 was mentioned as a reference for helping countries integrate
STI into their poverty-reduction strategies.

35.
Panelists advocated implementation of the CSTD recommendations at the
national level. Participants stressed the need for more multi-stakeholder participation
in the CSTD work programme. Participants also reiterated the importance of

7 One suggestion was for the Middle Eastern countries to cooperate in a Marshall plan to harness S&T
for solving water resource problems.

9

UNCTAD's Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) as an important mean
to assist countries in assessing their national S&T framework, and formulating a
strategy for linking S&T policies to national development priorities.

IV. THEME 2: DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED POLICIES FOR SOCIO-
ECONOMIC INCLUSIVE INFORMATION SOCIETY - ACCESS,
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

36.
The UNCTAD Secretariat delivered a presentation on the issues paper,
"Development-oriented policies for socio-economic inclusive information society,
including access, infrastructure and an enabling environment."

37.
The paper presented recent figures on the digital divide. It indicated that many
countries have been excluded from the global Information Society, partly in reflection
of underlying socioeconomic and political realities that restrict access to information
and communication technologies (ICTs). Although a number of middle-income
developing countries (led by China and India) are narrowing gaps in fixed line access
with OECD countries, the gap in access with LDCs is widening. For mobile
telephony, the gap between OECD and developing countries has been reduced, with
LDCs making considerable gains as well. In 2005, half of all OECD's citizens were
Internet users, compared with just one in every twelve inhabitants of developing
economies and one in every hundred in the LDCs. Nevertheless, even in Internet
access, the digital divide has shrunk remarkably. The debate over the future digital
divide is now moving from inequalities in basic "quantity" and "access" to include
differences in "quality" and "capacity."

38.
The paper pointed to the fact that communities lacking ICT infrastructure
often lack access to other critical infrastructure as well. Income divides continue to
sustain the digital divide among countries and among individuals within a country.
The critical challenge is how to provide access to ICT infrastructure in infrastructure-
poor communities.

39.
The issues paper examined innovative ways in which ICT infrastructure can be
developed alongside other infrastructure to help achieve national socioeconomic
development objectives, namely ICT-bundled infrastructure (ICT laid alongside other
critical infrastructure), ICT-enabled infrastructure (e.g., power lines used as
communications media) and ICT-shared infrastructure (sharing of common ICT
infrastructure).

40.
The presentation ended with a discussion on the enabling environment at the
national and international levels to foster a socio-economic inclusive Information
Society. Through a development-oriented policy and regulatory framework based on
national context, governments can help build a people-centred Information Society.
Governments can also intervene to correct market failures, maintain competition,
attract domestic and foreign investment and enhance ICT infrastructure and
applications to maximize the socioeconomic benefits of ICTs, especially for
underserved communities.
10

Addressing Inclusion by Sharing Knowledge & Building Partnerships Globally

41.
One resource person8 made a presentation on global knowledge partnerships
for bridging the digital divide. She noted that the poor, illiterate, uneducated, rural
dwellers, minorities, disabled and elderly are often excluded from the full
participation in the information society. Within each of these groups, women are
further excluded. However, she pointed out that ICT is a strategic and practical tool
for addressing the challenges of development and inclusion. It is key to access and
empowerment and a conduit for information & knowledge

42.
She noted that inclusion in the context of the Information Society is about
access to information (availability of infrastructure and tools, affordability of access);
ability to process information (education, literacy, languages, etc); and the ability to
act on the information (enabling policies, rights framework, etc.)

43. The Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) is a network championing
knowledge and ICT for development worldwide. GKP believes that knowledge is the
key driver for a world of equal opportunities because (1) Knowledge improves lives,
reduces poverty and empowers people; (2) Access to knowledge is fundamental to
development and progress; and (3) ICTs are key for enabling access to knowledge.

44.
Being a global network of multi-sector organisations, the resource person
pointed out that GKP can reach across sectors, tapping & linking information and
communication technologies for development (ICT4D) grassroots practitioners and
policy makers with international institutions and corporations in North-South, South-
South relationships. Through this vibrant network of connections, GKP is able to
facilitate the exchange of issues, ideas, experience and solutions to increase the
impact of Knowledge and ICT for global development.

Achieving the MDGs through ICTs

45.
Another resource person9 delivered an address to the CSTD on the work that
Humanity First is doing globally to foster a socio-economic inclusive Information
Society.

46.
Humanity First is a London-based non-governmental organization established
to promote and safeguard the preservation of human life and dignity. Humanity First
is able to deliver significantly more aid value in the field because its labor costs are
very low, with 93% of donated money going directly towards grass-roots projects.

47.
Humanity First has identified 4 main areas for intervention, namely education,
water, infrastructure, and ICT training and employment. Humanity First is
implementing projects in these areas, and it is making a real difference for people at
the grass roots level, especially the young who should be empowered as learners,
developers, contributors, entrepreneurs and decision makers.

8 Ms. Rinalia Abdul Rahim, Global Knowledge Partnership
9 Mr. Faez Ahmed, Executive Director of Humanity First (International)
11

Access to the Information Society

48.
Participants cited the following as some of the barriers to access to ICT in the
developing world: poor infrastructure, lack of competitive environment; lack of
adequate regulatory framework and limited capacities of regulators; lack of
predictable and transparent rule of law; illiteracy; poverty; lack of coordination
between ICT and rural development policies and practice; and electrification gaps
(many areas that don't have access to electric power or it is unreliable and costly).

Infrastructure for the Information Society

49.
Some of the panelists recognized the need for new technologies to provide
access to the Information Society in a way that is more cost-effective and reaches
more people, especially in underserved communities. Several participants highlighted
new ICT technology platforms like i86 (iBurst), Wimax, and IPv6. With respect to
ICT-Bundled Infrastructure, one representative pointed to the example of the fiber
optics cables being laid alongside the power grid stretching from Mexico to Panama
(Mesoamerican Information Highway, Plan Puebla Panama). Another delegate
offered the case of the Santo Domingo Metro Project, which is bundling high-speed
transport infrastructure with fiber optic cables.

Literacy for the Information Society

50.
Experts indicated that information awareness, or literacy, must be accepted as
an important concept to induce policy makers to build an inclusive Information
Society. This perception underpins the process of information acquisition, inquiry,
critical thinking, scientific research and life long learning. It allows the building of
domestic knowledge across populations, which is essential for a wider influence on
the formulation of policy and the enjoyment of the fruits of the implementation of
such policies.

51.
The promotion of this concept underlies the essential ability to locate, evaluate
and efficiently use information for regular and innovative purposes. Public policy,
which uses information and digital literacy as starting points for accelerating socio-
economic development, must go beyond classical education to ensure that
participation, ethics, sharing, interaction, and learning are essential ingredients of
curricula.

52.
Some representatives shared respective e-Literacy programmes from their
countries. The Internet in Schools (iSchools) projects in the Philippines aims to
provide public high schools with computers with broadband Internet connectivity,
complemented by educators' training (ICT Literacy/Competency Training for
Teachers, Lab Management, Sustainability), technical support, and monitoring and
evaluation. The Brazilian Ministry of Education is implementing many programmes
in the area of distant learning and e-education. Among them, the In-Service Teacher
Training Programme, which is a two-year course aimed at training teachers of basic
level from distant regions of the country. The National Information Technology
Program on Education promotes the use of ICT as tools of pedagogical enrichment at
fundamental and secondary public schools. So far, it has benefited 1853
municipalities by installing 4931 ICT laboratories.
12

Content for the Information Society

53. While ICT infrastructure is admittedly a foundation for building the
Information Society, participants note that it is important to keep in mind that the
development of local content is an important determinant of access to ICT. Without
the creation of relevant local content, access is of little use. There was also mention of
the potential of open source software to provide less costly locally-relevant content
and boost the use of software. One of the best practices case studies that were cited
included that of Brazil's Ministry of Education, which launched the Public Domain
Website in 2004, a digital library developed in open source software which receives
and average of 3 million hits per month.

Regulatory Framework for the Information Society

54.
One representative noted that a distinction needed to be made between having
competition and a competitive environment. You may have competition without
having a competitive environment. In the latter, small service providers which tend to
work closer with poor and rural communities can co-exist with large companies.
National policy needs to allow innovative models for service provision to emerge,
particularly community-owned service providers (which range from municipal fiber to
cooperatives running mesh wireless networks) and should not just focus purely on
commercial, national operator models. To increase access to poor communities it is
important to look at Open access models, which separate retail service competition
from public backbone service provision.

55.
It was noted that often ministries of communications and industry regulators in
developing countries are preoccupied with the private sector and public
telecommunications operators to the extent that they do not have time for the needs of
rural, or poor urban populations. Furthermore, ministries of communication
technologies and industry regulators in developing countries often do not operate
within the terms of national development strategies. Unless a conscious attempt is
made to extract responsibility for the use of Internet in rural areas from the current
practices of governance involving communications ministries and industry regulators,
policy incoherence between communications policy and development policy is likely
to continue. In other words, policies and practices in development strategies and
communications policy are not currently complementary but are often at odds with
one another. This fundamental issue of governance needs to be resolved as a
precondition for realizing the potential of the Internet and communications in
development.

Broadband Penetration in the Information Society

56.
Participants debated whether or not broadband penetration was relevant for the
needs of the developing world, especially for rural areas. Some advocated that not
everyone needs broadband. However, others suggested that effectively addressing
illiteracy in the rural and underserved communities may require broadband
penetration for ICT-projects involving bandwidth-intensive voice and video
transmissions.

13

Business Models for the Information Society

57.
Finally, delegates pointed to the need to develop sustainable business models
adapted to the demand (and payment capacity) of poor communities. In this context,
public-private partnerships (PPP) were highlighted as a preferred institutional
arrangement between governments, the private sector (providers of ICT services),
civil society (NGOs with knowledge of rural communities) and the communities
themselves.

V. THEME 3: FOLLOW-UP TO THE WSIS AND THE ROLE OF CSTD

58.
The Special Adviser to the CSTD10 gave an overview on WSIS activities since
May 2007, at regional and international levels. He highlighted the importance of
regional action plans as an important source of inputs for the CSTD review and
assessment of WSIS follow-up. He also identified some challenges with the follow-
up process.

Challenges

59.
It was noted that gaps and overlaps in the WSIS outcomes render the
monitoring implementation a challenging task. For example, in the Geneva Plan of
Action, Chapters B and C are not directly linked to one another. While Chapter B
contains quantifiable targets, most recommendations and commitments in the Action
Lines (AL) in chapter C are not quantified or quantifiable. Additionally, the
recommendations and commitments do not always specify the main actors or time
frame for implementation. The Tunis outcome documents contain two additional
themes on financial mechanisms and Internet governance.

60.
Participants acknowledged the importance of data and indicators in order to
assess progress made and provide recommendations for further actions and initiatives
needed to implement WSIS outcomes. One proposal was that that the CSTD
Secretariat should concentrate on the targets in Chapter B and try to develop a set of
indicators per target. Several participants observed that the data should focus not only
on access and connectivity, but also on usage and impact. For example, it would be
useful to develop a set of indicators on the impact of ICTs on poverty reduction and
the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). With regard to Chapter C, it was
proposed that the AL facilitators be actively engaged in the initial assessment of the
progress achieved as well as obstacles encountered in fulfilling the relevant
commitments. In doing so, it may be necessary for the UNCTAD Secretariat to
develop benchmarks and indicators, jointly with the AL facilitators.

61.
One of the challenges for the international community was the development of
a sound methodology for tracking the information society. The Geneva Plan of
Action and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society called for the development
of a realistic international performance evaluation and benchmarking. Much work has
been done by the UN system in response to this call.

10 Mr. Charles Geiger
14

62.
The Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development was launched during
UNCTAD XI in June 2004. Current partners include ITU, OECD, UNCTAD,
UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the UN Regional Commissions (ECLAC, ESCWA,
ESCAP, and ECA), the UN ICT Task Force/GAID, the World Bank, and
EUROSTAT. The Partnership has developed a common set of core household and
business ICT indicators, as a basis for harmonized data collection on ICT statistics at
the international level. Meanwhile, a number of different composite indices have
been developed to track the development of ICTs and to measure the extent of the
digital divide in both its domestic and international dimensions. These include the ICT
Diffusion Index11, the Digital Opportunity Index12 and the ICT Opportunity Index.13

63.
Although the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development and other
initiatives to improve the availability of core ICT indicators have made notable
progress, one area that requires special attention is the development of indicators for
measuring the WSIS targets. Efforts are currently been made by UNCTAD to work
with governments to develop indicators for tracking this in order to monitor progress
towards the WSIS targets.

64.
Efforts should be made to group the multiple themes in the WSIS outcome
documents to manageable clusters and identify flagship initiatives that have emerged,
such as the "Connect Africa". In addition to review and assessment of progress, CSTD
should also identify obstacles and lessons learnt. A number of participants pointed
out that one challenge lies in the difficulty to obtain information on some of the ALs,
such as e-environment, enabling environment or capacity-building, as well as on other
themes, notably the issue of enhanced cooperation . It was proposed that that the
CSTD may wish to propose concrete ways of addressing this problem, including re-
allocation of AL facilitation.

65.
Several participants noted that, if the AL facilitation meetings are held in May
during the Cluster of WSIS-related events, any implementation problem addressed or
bottlenecks identified at these meetings can only be addressed in the following year's
report of the Secretary-General to the CSTD, due to the fact that the deadline for
inputs into the report is usually in mid January.

66.
It was proposed that the UNCTAD Secretariat should work closely with ITU
and other lead facilitators and encourage them to organize their meetings well in
advance so that the outcomes could be adequately fed into the annual sessions of the
Commission. One proposal was to encourage the meetings to take place in
October/November.

Multi-stakeholder approach

67.
Panellists reiterated that the follow-up to WSIS should fully engage all actors
concerned, including States, international organisations, civil society and the private
sector. Without such engagement, the follow-up will miss crucial dimensions and
areas of expertise. They urged the UNCTAD Secretariat to explore ways and means
of maximizing the meaningful participation of and contribution by civil society and

11 The Digital Divide: ICT Diffusion Index (UNCTAD 2003, 2004, 2005).
12 http:// www.itu.int/doi.
13 http:// www.orbicom.uqam.ca/projects/ddi2005/index_ict_opp.pdf.28
15

business entities in the work of the Commission. It was also noted that the low level
of participation of civil society in the CSTD inter-sessional panel meetings often
results from insufficient funding, especially for participants from developing
countries. One proposal was that the CSTD set up a voluntary trust fund to finance
civil society contribution to and participation in the work of the Commission. In this
regard, member States of the CSTD were invited to contribute to the trust fund in
order to promote civil society participation in the work of the CSTD.

68.
The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in consultative status
with the United Nations (CONGO) submitted to the Panel a note on WSIS follow-
up14. The note underscores the importance of participation of civil society. It calls for
the inclusion of participation modalities which guarantee the greatest and most direct
interaction between all categories of stakeholders. These would allow civil society
and private sector entities to participate in and contribute to all plenary segments and
agenda items of the CSTD; to attend any informal meeting of the Commission, to
make propositions and suggestions in the course of any discussion leading to the
decision making process of the Commission; and to organize activities during the
annual session of the Commission, in the format of side events, panel or briefings, in
addition to the plenary meetings of the Commission. It encourages the continuation
of the direct interactions between the CSTD Bureau and representatives of other
stakeholders groups during the annual sessions as well as the multi-stakeholder
composition of inter-sessional panels. It emphasizes the need for transparency and
information sharing among the CSTD Secretariat, member States and other
stakeholders on a regular basis.

69.
The note contains a number of concrete proposals for maximizing the
involvement of all stakeholders throughout the inter-sessional period. It calls on the
CSTD Bureau and Secretariat to enhance the flow of information towards and
between all stakeholders during the inter-sessional period. It stresses that efforts
should continue to enlist contributions from non-State stakeholders in the negotiation
of outcome documents during the annual sessions of the Commission. The note
supports the proposal to set up a multi-stakeholder advisory group to assist and
provide advice to the Bureau and the Secretariat in the preparation of the CSTD
annual session and related inter-sessional events.

70.
The note further proposes to extend the modality used for the participation of
business sector entities in the work of the Commission to a wider category of civil
society actors not in consultative status with the ECOSOC, in particular academic
institutions, local authorities and civil society involved in the WSIS implementation at
the international and regional levels or in the Internet Governance Forum.

Financial mechanisms

71.
With regard to financial mechanisms contained in the Tunis Agenda for the
Information Society, it was observed that no specific implementation or follow-up

14
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Meeting.asp?intItemID=2068&lang=1&m=13906&year=2007&mon
th=11
16

mechanisms are in place. One written proposal15 was to further divide up the issue
into Assessment Lines facilitated by specific UN agencies and other organizations.
The proposed Assessment Lines and possible facilitators are:

A1: Official development assistance (UNDP, World Bank, EU-EFD)
A2: Multi-stakeholder partnerships (UNCTAD, ITU)
A3:
Innovative financial mechanisms (UNCTAD, DSF)
A4: Infrastructure and international interconnection costs (ITU, UNCTAD,
a representative body of African Union, e.g. ATU)

It was proposed that the CSTD suggests to ECOSOC other facilitators as appropriate,
following an inclusive consultation process.

E-Science

72.
In the area of e-Science, it was observed that greater synergies need to be built
between the traditional mandate of the CSTD and the new mandate of WSIS follow-
up. In this context, it was proposed that CSTD representatives from the scientific
community should be encouraged to participate in the e-Science facilitation meetings.

Internet Governance

73.
The Brazilian representative briefed the Panel on the outcome of the second
meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 12-15
November 2007. He stated that the second meeting made progress towards the
implementation of the mandate of the Forum in terms of participation, scope, thematic
agenda, organization of work and outcome. In terms of substantive discussion,
besides the important themes of access, diversity, openness and security, the Rio
meeting contributed to broaden the debate on Internet governance by devoting a main
session to critical Internet resources and the improvement of the global mechanisms in
charge of their management. In the organization of work, one improvement at Rio
was the sharing of the chairmanship of main sessions among different stakeholders.
The next step will be the establishment of mechanisms, which will ensure balanced
geographical representation and meaningful participation of representatives from both
developed and developing countries in all stakeholder groups, with a view to
providing legitimacy to the recommendations emanating from the IGF. It is
envisaged that this issue will be considered during the upcoming preparatory
processes for the next IGF meeting in New Delhi in 2008.

74.
A number of partcipants made reference to Tunis Agenda paragraphs 69-71,
which invites the Secretary-General of the United Nations to start a process of
enhanced cooperation involving all relevant organizations and all stakeholders in their
respective roles, with a view to enabling governments, "on an equal footing, to carry
out their roles and responsibilities in international public policy issues pertaining to
the Internet". They observed that "enhanced cooperation" is subject to various
interpretations; it is therefore difficult to assess whether or not it is taking place. It

15 Proposal submitted by Mr. Francis Muguet to the CSTD panel on behalf of the WSIS Civil Society
Working Group on Financial Mechanisms and the WSIS Civil Society Working Group onScientific
Information.

17

was proposed that the Secretray-General of the United Nations be requested to report
on the process of consultations on this issue, which should have started in 2006.

Balance between the traditional and new mandate of the Commission

75.
Several panalists noted the need to bridge the "mandate divide" of the
Commission. A lively exchange of views took place around the discussion on the
appropriate balance between the traditional mandate of the Commission on science
and technology for development, and its new mandate on WSIS follow-up. It was
recognised that the two mandates were not mutualy exclusive, but could be
complimentary and reinforcing. In terms of substance, innovation could be seen as a
common thread that runs through both mandates. ICT could be viewed as one of the
critical infrastructures of science and technology. There was general recognition that
ICTs are one of the technologies that have the potential to impact development
significantly. Other technologies such as nanotechnology or biotechnology should not
be overlooked. It was also agreed that these technologies are not ends in themselves,
but tools, which could be harnessed towards achieving development goals.

76.
Participants noted that WSIS goes beyond access to ICTs. The Summit
envisioned an inclusive Information Society, and touched upon a wide range of issues,
including inter alia, government, education, health, employment, business, and
culture. A number of partcipants pointed out that the new mandate on WSIS follow-
up provides the CSTD with an opportunity to re-vamp itself, and to bring other curcial
STI issues to the forefront of the international community. Such an opportunity
exisits with the World Science Forum, which is scheduled to take place in 2009, to
mark the tenth anniversary of the World Conference on Science held in 1999
Budapest.

77.
Participants noted that the work on the traditional mandate and WSIS follow
up are different in nature, and therefore would require different methods of work.
With regard to the traditional mandate, the challenge for the Commission may lie in
getting the recommendations implemented at the national levels. With regrad to
WSIS follow-up, the role of the Commission is to review and access the progress
made in the implementation, and identify ways to improve facilitation and create
greater synergies amongst the actors that are tasked with implementation. As a
relatively small Commission with a vast task, the Commission should strive to
provide broad guidelines in terms of WSIS follow-up. Several partcipants observed
that review and assessment requires additional resources. Therefore, for the
Commission to carry out its new mandate effectiveily, the UNCTAD Secretariat
should explore additional sources of funding.

VI. Preparation for the 11th session of the CSTD

78.
Based on the experience of the 10th session, participants observed that it was
important for the WSIS cluster of events to take place prior to the CSTD session, so
that all the stocktaking activities could be completed and fed into the 11th session.
Participants remarked that, whilst it was important for the work of the Global Alliance
on ICT for Development (GAID) to be fed into the work of the Commission, it was
not advisable to devote an entire day to a GAID/CSTD event. One suggestion was to
hold the joint CSTD-GAID panel back to back with the CSTD annual session.
18

79.
It was also emphasized that the annual sessions should be planned well in
advance to ensure that a proper balance is struck and that sufficient time is allocated
to all componentes of the CSTD's mandates. It was proposed that a detailed time
schedule for the entire week be prepared and made widely available well in advance.
Participants proposed that the planning should take place via an email-based listserv
and started as soon as possible, which should, if possible, include other non-State
stakeholders (those that have observer status with the CSTD).

80.
Following the practice of last year, participants agreed that the report of the
Secretary-General on the Follow-up to WSIS at regional and international Levels,
which will be before the 11th session, should draw on inputs from all AL facilitators.
To that end, it was agreed that a letter from the UNCTAD Secretary-General be sent
to all entities identified in ECOSOC resolution 2007/8 on "Flow of information for
the follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society" asking them to reach
out to their constituencies for reports on implementation in their respective areas. In
this context, participants requested the UNCTAD Secretariat to circulate the reporting
template for comments and feedback

VII. FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS

81.
The following main findings and suggestions were highlighted by the panel
and put forward for consideration by the Commission at its 11th session, scheduled to
take place in Geneva from 26 to 29 May 2008.

A. Main Findings

� Innovation takes place in a social and institutional environment that ultimately
contributes towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
� R&D is key to fostering innovation.
� In terms of substance, innovation could be seen as a common thread that runs
through both mandates of the CSTD with regards to science and technology
and ICTs.
� STI is key for the creation of new knowledge and for building the capacity to
absorb and adopt existing knowledge.
� ICT initiatives should encourage civil society participation in developing
community-level projects, with a focus on poverty reduction and
socioeconomic inclusion in the Information Society.
� Barriers to access to ICT in the developing world include: poor infrastructure
lack of competitive environment; lack of adequate regulatory framework and
limited capacities of regulators; lack of predictable and transparent rule of law;
illiteracy; poverty; lack of coordination between ICT and rural development
policies and practice; and electrification gaps (many areas don't have access to
electric power or it is unreliable and costly).
� Essential elements of the enabling environment for the information society
include, inter alia: provision of ICT infrastructure, adequate regulatory
framework, a competitive telecommunications market, public-private
partnerships, local content development, open access models, investment in
19

education and computer literacy and participatory approaches regarding
community access to ICTs.
� The Internet divide, and particularly the broadband divide, in the developing
world needs to be tackled.
� The debate over the future digital divide is now moving from inequalities in
basic "quantity" and "access" to include differences in "quality" and
"capacity".
� Developing countries plagued with high illiteracy rates may need broadband
Internet connectivity to access voice and video data for community-based
empowerment initiatives.
� Liberalization of the telecommunications sector can encourage competition,
bring down costs, and encourage private investment, including FDI, in the
sector. At the same time, some regulations and conditionality are needed to
ensure universal access, especially access by the poor.
� Private sector competition has been a driving force in extending
telecommunication access to billions of people around the world and public-
private-partnerships are key to ensuring further progress.
� Foreign direct investment has been one of the major sources of financing of
ICT capabilities in many developing countries and this trend is likely to be
more pronounced in the years ahead, surpassing official development
assistance (ODA).
� The development of wireless broadband applications should be encouraged.
� Engineering is absolutely necessary in most instances to take research and
development (R&D) results into the market place.
� Engineering should be linked to S&T capacity-building and should play a
special role in development strategies for developing economies as it is
important within the ecology of innovation and critical for the establishment,
maintenance, and upgrading of infrastructure needed as a foundation for
economic growth.
� Collaboration among universities and scientific institutions in conduction
R&D is key to building scientific and technological capabilities in developing
countries.
� To increase access to poor communities, it is important to look at open access
models, which separate retail service competition from public backbone
service provision.
� Unless a conscious attempt is made to extract responsibility for the use of
Internet in rural areas from the current practices of governance involving
communications ministries and industry regulators, policy incoherence
between communications policy and development policy is likely to continue.
� Academies of sciences have an important role as government think-tanks, and
their role as the STI base of the country should be supported. Developed
countries can assist in their programmatic activities, and also in facilitating
access to digital libraries
� For innovation to be embraced there must be a paradigm shift in embracing
innovative ideas. Attention needs to be given to invest in scientific and
engineering education.
� Work of the Commission on STI and on WSIS follow may require different
methods of work. However, in the area of e-Science, it was observed that
20

greater synergies can be built between the traditional mandate of the CSTD
and the new mandate of WSIS follow-up.
� Infrastructure is one of the most important areas, where S&T and WSIS
related activities intersect fully.

B. Suggestions

� Acting, in collaboration with UNCTAD, as the lead proponent and "Torch
bearer" for Innovation as a flagship in the UN system, under the theme
Science, Engineering, and Technology for Innovation (SET for Innovation);
� Involving more stakeholders and actively engaging the private sector in its
work to promote innovation on the international level;
� Enhancing its visibility and outreach to the media and the wider international
community;
� Promoting public private partnerships as vehicles for financing innovative ICT
infrastructure technologies in the developing world;
� Exploring the possibility of playing an active role in the organization of the
World Science Congress in 2009 with UNESCO and the Hungarian
Government;
� Partnering with UNESCO, AU, OAS, WFEO, and other international
organizations to foster more public/private partnerships for ICT-based science
and engineering capacity-building, develop national policies and indicators for
innovation, and promote S&T for Development as a future theme of the
United Nations General Assembly;
� Promoting cooperation among countries to strengthen science, technology, and
engineering education, research, and training;
� Supporting UNCTAD in its efforts to collaborate with the World Bank and
UNESCO in conducting Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Reviews
to guide policies for STI and engineering capacity-building;
� Planning annual sessions well in advance to ensure that a proper balance is
struck and that sufficient time is allocated to the deliberation of all
components of teh CSTD mandates;
� Starting the preparation and organization of the 11th session of the CSTD as
soon as possible, including the elaboration of a detailed time schedule that
allows for best possible preparation of and participation at the session.
� This preparation should be done in a transparent and inclusive manner, using
electrionic means for consultations and exchange of views.
� Providing broad guidelines for WSIS follow-up, including the question of
benchmarking and the set of indicators to assess and track the progress made
in the implementation of the outcomes of WSIS;
� Participating in the WSIS e-Science facilitation meetings as a way to bridge
both mandates of the CSTD;
� Exploring ways and means of maximizing the meaningful participation of and
contribution by civil society and business entities in the work of the
Commission; and
� Collaborating closely with UNCTAD in the preparation for UNCTAD XII,
particularly with regards to the Roundtable on "Harnessing Knowledge and
Technology for Development"

21

Annex: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ANGOLA
Mr. Dikumbwa Nlandu, Adviser to the Ministry of Science and Technology, C.P. 467
Luanda, Angola
Tel: +244 912 24 84 54, E-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRIA
Mr. A Min Tjoa, Head of Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Favoriten Str.
9/188, Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43 1 58801-18801, Fax: +43 1 58801-18899, E-mail: [email protected]

BRAZIL
Mr. Hadil da Rocha Vianna, Director, Department of Scientific and Technological
Affairs, Ministry of External Relations, Pal�cio do Itamaraty, Anexo II, Sala 43,
70170-900, Brasilia DF, Brazil
Tel: +55 61 34116565. Fax: +55 61 34119163, E-mail: [email protected]

BURKINA FASO
Mr. Lamoussa Oualbeogo, Secretary General, Ministry of Post and ICT, Avenue de la
Grande Chancellerie, 01 BP 5175, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Tel: +266 50 331076, Fax: +266 50 331593, E-mail: [email protected]

CHILE
Mr. Eduardo Chihuailaf, Third Secretary, Permanent Mission of Chile to the United
Nations Office at Geneva, Rue de Moillebeau 58, Case postale 332, 1211 Geneva 19,
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9198802, Fax: +41 22 7345297, E-mail: [email protected]

CUBA
Mr. Jorge Ferrer Rodriguez, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Cuba to the
United Nations Office at Geneva, Chemin de Val�rie 100, 1292 Chamb�sy,Geneva,
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 758 9430, Fax: +4122 758 94 31,
E-mail: [email protected]

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Ms. Ana Yumari Torres, Deputy Director, Presidential Commission on the
Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development (COPDES), Av.
M�xico, Esq. Dr. Delgado, Palacio Presidencial, Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic
Tel: + 1809 695 8481, Fax: +1 809 695 8196, E-mail: [email protected]

EL SALVADOR
H.E. Mr. Miguel Angel Alcaine Castro, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent
Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Rue de
Lausanne 65, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: + 41 22 732 70 36, Fax: +41 22 748 47 44, E-mail: [email protected]

22

ERITREA
Mr. Hailezghi Tesfamariam, Head and CEO, Eritrean Science and Technology
Development Agency, P.O. Box 257, Asmara, Eritrea
Tel: +291 1 120864, Fax: +291 1 202007, E-mail: [email protected]

FINLAND
H.E. Mr. Yrj� L�nsipuro, Ambassador, ICT and Information Society Policy
Coordinator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Helsinki, Finland
Fax: +358 9 160 50 004, E-mail: [email protected]

FRANCE
Mr. Bertrand de La Chapelle, Special Envoy for the Information Society, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, 23, rue La P�rouse, 75016 Paris, France
Tel: +33 6 11 88 33 32, E-mail: [email protected]

GERMANY
Mr. Bjoern Schildberg, Senior Advisor, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development, Stresemannstrae 94, 10963 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 25 03 2871, Fax: +49 30 18 105352871, E-mail:
[email protected]

INDIA
Mr. Sarvagya S. Katiyar, Vice Chancellor, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharj University,
Kalyanpur, Kanpur-208024 (U.P), India
Tel: +91 512 2570263, Fax: +91 512 2570006, E-mail: [email protected]

IRAN
Mr. Kourosh Shirvani Jozdani, Head of Central Office for University and Industry
Partnerships, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST),
No.71, Shaheed Moosavi St., Enghelab Ave.,Tehran, Iran
Tel: +98 21 88838339, Fax: +98 21 88838339, Fax: [email protected]

JAMAICA
Mr. Arnoldo K. Ventura, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and
Technology, Office of the Prime Minister, 1 Devon Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica
Tel:+1 876 978 2768/929 8880-5, Fax: +1 876 960 8407,E-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]

JORDAN
Mr. Walid Al-Turk, Secretary General, the Higher Council for Science & Technology,
P.O. Box 36, Amman, Al-Jbeha, 11941 Jordan
Tel: + 962 6 533 5282, +962 6 5355414, E-mail: [email protected]

LATVIA
H.E. Mr. Janis Mazeiks, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Latvia to the United
Nations Office at Geneva, Rue de Lausanne 137, Case postale 193, 1211 Geneva 20,
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 738 51 11, Fax: +41 22 738 51 71, E-mail: [email protected]

23

LESOTHO
H. E. Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing, Minister of Communications, Science and Technology,
Moposo House 3rd floor, P.O. Box 36, Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22 324715, Fax: +266 22 310264,E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Maseqobela Williams, Director of Science and Technology, Ministry of
Communications, Science and Technology, P.O. Box 36, Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22323763, Fax: +266 22324715, E-mail: [email protected]

MALAYSIA

H.E. Dato' Sri Dr. Jamaludin B. Mohd Jarjis, Chairman of the CSTD, Minister of
Science, Technology and Innovation, and his delegation
Level 7, Block C5, Parcel C, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62662
Putrajaya, Malaysia
Fax: +60 2 8889 1818

PERU
Mr. Roger Guerra Garcia, Advisor, National Council for Science and Technology,
Calle del Comercio 197, San Borja, Lima, Peru
Tel: +51 1 2251150, Fax: +51 1 2240920, E-mail: [email protected]

PHILIPPINES
Mr. Jesus Domingo, Minister, Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United
Nations Office at Geneva, Avenue Blanc 47, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 716 1930, Fax: +41 22 716 1932, E-mail: [email protected]

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Mr. Alexander Naumov, Deputy Director, Department of the State Policy in the
Sphere of Science, Innovations and Intellectual Property, Ministry of Education and
Science, 11, Tverskaya Str., 125993 Moscow, Russian Federation
Tel: +7495 629 1965, Fax: +7495 629 6206, E-mail: [email protected]

SIERRA LEONE
Mr. Thomas Yormah, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry,
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: +232 76 626488, Fax: +232 22 228430/229214/224439, E-mail:
[email protected]

SLOVAKIA
H.E. Mr. Stefan Mor�vek, Ambassador, Government Office of the Slovak Republic,
European Policy and Knowledge Society Division, N�mestie slobody 1, 81370
Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 25729 5508, Fax: +421 25443 3838, E-mail: [email protected]

SRI LANKA
Mr. Vijaya Kumar, Chairman, Industrial Technology Institute, P.O. Box 787, 363
Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
24

Tel: +94 11 2687566/94 777 801184, Fax: +94 11 2686567, E-mail: [email protected]

SUDAN
Mr. El Tayeb Idris Eisa, Secretary-General, Ministry of Science and Technology, P.O.
Box 2404, Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: +249 183 472360, Fax: +249 183 472362, E-mail: [email protected]

SWITZERLAND
Mr. Thomas Schneider, Coordinator Information Society, Swiss Federal Office of
Communications (OFCOM), 44, rue de l'Avenir, 2501 Biel-Bienne, Switzerland
Tel: +41 32 327 56 35, Fax: +41 32 327 54 66, E-mail:
[email protected]

TUNISIA
Mr. Hassoumi Zitoun, Director General, Centre d'Etudes et de recherche des
telecommunications, Cite technologique des communications, route de Raoued, K.
3.5, Ariana 2088, Tunisie
Tel: +216 70 834543, Fax: +216 70 834700, E-mail: [email protected]

TURKEY
Mr. Emin Sadik Aydin, Senior Specialist, State Planning Organization, DPT
Necatibey Cad. No. 108, 06100 Bakanliklar, Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90 312 294 6419, Fax: +90 312 294 6477, E-mail: [email protected]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Mr. Andrew Reynolds, Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of
State, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20520, USA
Tel: +1 202 647 8694, Fax: +1 202 647 5163, E-mail: [email protected]

OBSERVER COUNTRIES

Ghana

Ghana High Commission in Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 00603-4526995,4579703,
Fax: 00603-4578698
E-mail: [email protected]

JAPAN
Mr. Mitsuo Tanabe, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia
E-mail: [email protected]

MEXICO
Mr. Isidro Alejandro Ortiz F�lix, Chief of the Consular Section, Embassy of Mexico
Suite 22-05, 22nd Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207, Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +603-2164 6362 x 26, Fax: +603-2164 0964, Mobile: +6012-923 7037
e-mail: [email protected]

25

OBSERVER ORGANIZATIONS

Mr. Michael Mudd, Director of Public Policy, Asia-Pacific, CompTIA Hong Kong
Limited, 2303 Convention Plaza Office Tower, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong.
Tel: +852 2830 9936, Fax: +852 2830 9987, E-mail: [email protected]

RESOURCE PERSONS

Dato' Ir. Lee Yee-Cheong, Past President of the World Federation of Engineering
Associations

Ms. Rinalia Abdul Rahim, Executive Director, Global Knowledge Partnership

Mr. Faez Ahmed, Executive Director of Humanity First, 22 Deer Park Road, South
Wimbledon, London, SW19 3AH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7779 227794, E-mail: [email protected]

INVITED EXPERTS

Mr. Eddy KhiamJin Lee, Secretary General, iBurst Association
Unit 1-5-34, Krystal Point Corporate Park, Lebuh Bukit Kecil 6, 11900 Bayan Lepas,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +604-646 3381, Fax: +604-646 3382, E-mail: [email protected]

UNCTAD

Ms. Anh-Nga Tran-Nguyen, Director, Division for Services Infrastructure for
Development and Trade Efficiency, United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development, Palais des Nations, Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: + 41 22 9175943, E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Mongi Hamdi, Head of the CSTD Secretariat and Chief, Science and Technology
Section, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Palais des Nations,
Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9175069, Fax: +4122 9170122, E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Charles Geiger, Special Adviser to the CSTD, United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development, Palais des Nations, Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva,
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9175049, E-mail: [email protected]

Ms. Dong Wu, Economic Affairs Officer, Science and Technology Section, United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Palais des Nations, Avenue de la
Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9174171, E-mail : [email protected]

Mr. Bob Bell, Associate Economic Affairs Officer, Science and Technology, United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Palais des Nations, Avenue de la
Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9175604, E-mail: [email protected]
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Global Alliance for ICT and Development

Mr. Ezani Amir
Advisor to the Executive Coordinator
Secretariat of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development
United Nations, 1 UN Plaza Room DC1-1464
New York NY 10017
Tel: +1.212.963.5796
Fax: +1.917.367.4340
E-mail: [email protected]

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