Official Documents : Declaration of Principles (Latest version, 26 September 2003)

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Document WSIS/PC-3/DT/1(Rev.2 B )-E

26 September 2003

Original: English

[NOTE: the whole text of this Draft Declaration is in square brackets]

A[B]. Our Common Vision of the Information Society

1. [We, the representatives of the peoples of the world, assembled in Geneva from 10-12 December 2003 for the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, declare our common desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive Information Society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and people[s] to achieve their full potential and improve their quality of life in a sustainable manner]. We also reaffirm our commitment to a development oriented Information Society, geared to the eradication of poverty and hunger, and the achievement of a balanced and comprehensive social and economic development for all.

B[A]. Building the Information Society: a new global challenge in the new Millennium

2. Our challenge is to harness the potential of the information technology to promote the goals of the Millennium Declaration for the attainment of [development for all in] a more peaceful, just and prosperous world.

[We envisage this information Society premised on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and characterized by universal access to and use of information for the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. Nothing in this declaration shall be construed as impairing, contradicting, restricting or derogating the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, any other international instrument or national laws.]

3. We reaffirm the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, [OPTION A: including the right to development] and their ties to the principles of a democratic society, good governance, the rule of law at national and international level and sustainable development, [upholding the sovereign equality of all States]. [OPTION B: We are committed to making the right of development a reality for everyone and freeing the entire human race from want.] [The international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.]

[Our challenge is to harness the potential of the information technology to promote the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; achievement of universal primary education; promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women; reduction of child mortality; improvement maternal health; to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; the ensuring of environmental sustainability; and in development of a global partnership for development for the attainment of a more peaceful just and prosperous world.]

[3bis The information society based on ethics, moral values and human rights and should be an environment where dignity of humankind is comprehensively respected and fostered. The widest possible protection and assistance shall be accorded to the family which is the natural and most fundamental unit of our society. The information society creates an environment where all national sovereignties, religious, cultural, social and linguistic interest, without any discrimination are respected and protected.]

4. [Communication is a fundamental social process, a basic human need and the foundation of all social organization. It is central to the information society. Everyone, everywhere should have the opportunity to participate and no one should be excluded from the benefits the information society offers. [Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion, the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas regardless of frontiers [as enshrined in Article 19 [and 29] of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights] are the necessary premise of the information society.]]

6. We recognize that education, knowledge, information and communication are at the core of human progress, endeavour and well-being. Further, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have an immense impact on virtually all aspects of our lives. The capacity of ICTs to reduce the impact of many traditional obstacles, especially those of time and distance, make it possible for the first time in history for the vast potential of these technologies to be used by and for the benefit of millions of people in all corners of the world.

[6bis We recognize also that optimizing their potential of ICTs to develop and promote people to people dialogue [within and] among nations and civilizations, to increase productivity, to generate economic growth, and to improve the quality of life particularly for the majority of the peoples of the world who risk being left behind and further marginalizedis a serious challenge for all of us. We reiterate our commitment to the achievement of sustainable development and of UN agreed development goals, as contained in the Millennium Declaration, Johannesburg Declaration and Plan of Implementation and the Monterrey consensus, and other outcomes of relevant UN Summits.

We are aware that technology alone cannot solve any political and social problems. ICTs should therefore be regarded as a tool and not an end in themselves.]

7. We recognize that building an inclusive information society requires new forms of solidarity, partnership and cooperation of all of usgovernments, the private sector and civil society and international organizationsindividually and collectively. [Volunteers, as an expression of solidarity in action, in both south and North, provide a vast and important resource to bring about an inclusive information society.]

We are committed to realising our common vision of the information society for ourselves and for future generations.

8. We recognize also that young people are the future workforce and leading creators and earliest adopters of ICTs. They must therefore be empowered as learners, developers, contributors, entrepreneurs, decision-makers. We must focus especially on young people who have not yet been able to benefit fully from the opportunities provided by ICTs. We are also committed to creating conditions that provide for the development of ICT applications and services that take into account [the right, the well-being, protection, and harmonious development of children.]

9. We affirm that development of ICTs provides enormous opportunities for women, who should be an integral part of and should be key actors in the information society. We are committed within the information society to enable womens empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society and decision-making processes, and to ensuring that they are portrayed fairly and respectfully.

9bis In building the information society, particular attention should be paid to marginalized and vulnerable groups of society, including migrants and refugees, unemployed and under-privileged people, the elderly, the person with disabilities, minorities, and those living in remote and rural areas.

10. [We shall continue to pay special attention to the particular needs of developing countries, countries with economies in transition, Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, landlocked developing countries, and to conditions that pose severe threats to development, which include natural disasters, high indebtedness, foreign occupation and post-conflict situations. Viable solutions need to be found in order for these countries to participate fully in the information society. In addition, particular attention must be given to the special situation of indigenous peoples, and to the promotion and protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.]

11. Realizing that the ambitious vision of this Declaration – bridging the Digital Divide and [ensure] harmonious, fair and equitable development – will require a strong commitment by all stakeholders, we, call for digital solidarity, both at the national and international levels. Sustained efforts for universal access and capacity building for the use of ICTs are essential in building the Information Society.

C. An information Society for all: key principles

12. We are encouraged by the rapid pace of development of ICTsunprecedented in historywhich allows for the development of applications that can make it possible that no one is left behind and that those who were left marginalised in previous development cycles can have a real opportunity to attain higher levels of development without having to follow the traditional path nor its time requirements.

13. We are resolute in our quest to ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer. We agree that to meet these challenges, all stakeholders have to work together to increase access to information and communication infrastructure and technologies, as well as to information and knowledge, build capacity and trust, increase confidence and security in the use of ICTs, create an enabling environment at all levels, develop and widen ICT applications, foster and respect cultural diversity, [promote media development], address the ethical dimension of the information society, and encourage international and regional cooperation. We agree that these are the key principles for building an inclusive information society.

1)[3)] The role of all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development

14. Governments, as well as private sector, civil society organizations and UN and other international organizations [and the media], have an important role and responsibility in the development of the Information Society and, as appropriate, in decision-making processes. The Internet is a global facility available to the public, and its governance should constitute a core issue of the Information Society agenda. Building a people-centred Information Society is a joint effort which requires cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders.

2) Information and communication infrastructure: an essential foundation for an inclusive information society

15. Connectivity is a central enabling agent in building the Information Society. Universal, ubiquitous, equitable and affordable access to ICT infrastructure and services, including access to energy, and postal services, constitutes one of the challenges of the Information Society and should be an objective of all stakeholders involved in building it, [in conformity with the domestic legislation of each country.]

16. A well-developed information and communication network infrastructure and applications, adapted to regional, national and local conditions, easily-accessible and affordable, and making greater use of broadband and other innovative technologies where possible, can accelerate the social and economic progress of countries, and the well-being of all citizens and communities and people.

17. Policies that create a favourable climate for stability, predictability and fair competition at all levels should be developed and implemented in a manner that not only attracts more private investment for ICT infrastructure development but also enables public service obligations to be met in areas where traditional market conditions fail to work. In disadvantaged areas the establishment of ICTs public access points in post offices, schools and other entities, can provide effective means for ensuring universal access.

18. Monitoring and evaluating, with appropriate indicators [under the auspices of ITU and other relevant organisations], taking into account different level of developments, is essential to measuring the progress in bridging the digital divide, internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration, and to assessing the effectiveness of investment and international cooperation efforts in building the information society.

3)[2)] Access to information and knowledge

19. Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion, the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas regardless of frontiers [as enshrined in Article 19 [and 29] of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights] are the necessary premise of the information society. In building such an information society, the ability for all to access and contribute their information, ideas and knowledge is essential.

20. The sharing and strengthening of global knowledge for development can be enhanced by removing barriers to equitable access to information for economic, social, political, health, cultural, educational, and scientific activities and by facilitating access to public domain information.

21. A rich public domain is an essential element for the growth of the Information Society , creating multiple benefits such as an educated public, new jobs, innovation, business opportunities, and the advancement of sciences. Information in the public domain should be easily accessible to support the Information Society, and protected from misappropriation. Public institutions such as libraries and archives, museums, cultural collections and other community-based access points should be strengthened so as to promote the preservation of documentary records and free and equitable access to information.

22. [The growth of an information society should be encouraged through the adoption of open source strategies for software applications as they contribute to increase access and enhance diversity for software users . Multiple software models exist which promotes the principle of technology neutrality, these include open source, free and proprietary software, and are valuable model that supports more affordable access to ICTs.]

23. Scientists, universities, academic, research and other institutions have a central role in the development of the information society.Many of the building blocks of the Information Society are the result of scientific and technical advances made possible by the sharing of research results. We encourage promoting universal and equitable access to scientific knowledge and the creation and dissemination of scientific and technical information.

4) Capacity building

24. Everyone should have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in order to understand, participate actively in, and benefit fully from, the Information Society and the knowledge economy. Literacy and universal primary education are key factors for building a fully inclusive information society, paying particular attention to the special needs of girls and women. Given the wide range of ICT and information specialists required at all level, building the institutional capacity to plan, develop, guide, monitor, collect, organize, store and share information and knowledge deserves special attention.

25. The use of ICTs in all stages of education, training and human resource development should be promoted taking into account the special needs of person with disabilities and disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Content creators, publishers, and producers, as well as teachers, trainers, archivists, librarians and learners, should play an active role in promoting the Information Society, particularly in the Least Developed Countries.

26. Continuous and adult education, re-training, life-long learning, and other special measures are fundamental to benefit from the new opportunities offered by ICTs for traditional jobs, self-employment and new professions.

26bis Partnerships between developed and developing countries in research, manufacturing and marketing of ICTs product and services are crucial for promoting capacity building and global participation in the information society. The manufacture of ICTs presents a significant opportunity for creation of wealth.[technology transfer]

26ter The attainment of the shared aspirations of developing countries to become fully-fledged members of the Information Society, and their positive integration into the knowledge-economy, depends largely on capacity building in the areas of education, technology, know-how and information, which are major factors in determining development and competitiveness.

5) Building confidence, trust and security in the use of ICTs

27. Strengthening the trust framework including [network and information security] authentication, privacy and consumer protection, is a prerequisite for the development of the Information Society and for building confidence among users of ICTs. A global culture of cyber-security needs to be promoted, developed and implemented in co-operation with all stakeholders and international expert bodies. These efforts should be supported by increased international co-operation. Within this global culture of cyber-security, it is important to enhance security and to ensure the protection of data and privacy, [as well as to avoid the creation of barriers to access and trade]. In addition, it must take into account the level of social and economic development of each country and respect the development-oriented aspects of the Information Society.

28. While recognizing the principles of universal and non-discriminatory access to ICTs for all nations, and recalling the relevant resolution of the UNGA, ICTs can potentially be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security, and may adversely affect the integrity of the infrastructure within States, to the detriment of their security [in both civil and military fields]. It is necessary to prevent the use of information resources and technologies for criminal and terrorist purposes [, consistent with the need to preserve the free flow of information] [in accordance with the legal system of each country].]

29. Spam and cyber-security should be dealt with at appropriate national and international levels.

6) Enabling environment¹

30. [The rule of law, accompanied by transparent and predictable regulation, including, self-regulation, that takes into account national realities, is essential for building confidence, trust and security in the Information Society. A clear regulatory framework should assure the users empowerment and the full respect of the rights of individuals and communities and especially the rights of children.]

31. [Governments need to foster a supportive, transparent, pro-competitive, based on the principle of technological neutrality and predictable policy, legal and regulatory framework, intervening, as appropriate, to correct market failures, in order to maintain fair competition, enhance the development of the ICT services, infrastructure and applications, and to maximize economic and social benefits. [Access by countries to the benefits of the digital revolution requires adherence to the universally accepted principles of non-discrimination within the framework of negotiations for this access based on a spirit of justice and equity.]]

32. The Information Society must support [an enabling international economic environment conducive to] [good governance,] democracy, transparency, efficiency and accountability. Strengthening relations with citizens is an essential investment in policy-making and ICTs should be used as an important tool for good governance and more accessible government.

33. Intellectual property protection is essential to encourage the innovation and creativity in the Information Society. However, striking a fair balance between protection of intellectual property, one the one hand, and its use, and knowledge sharing, on the other, is essential to the Information Society. This balance is reflected by protection and flexibilities included in existing Intellectual Property agreements which should be maintained. Facilitating meaningful participation by all in intellectual property issues through awareness, capacity building and development of legal framework is a fundamental part of an inclusive Information Society.

34. Sustainable development can best be advanced in the Information Society when ICT-related efforts and programmes are fully integrated in national and regional development strategies. ICT-driven productivity gains contribute to poverty eradication and sustainable development.

35. Standardization is one of the essential building blocks of the Information Society. There should be particular emphasis on the development of international standards. The development and use of open, interoperable, non-discriminatory and demand-driven standards that take into account needs of users and consumers, [and are based on the principle of technological neutrality,] is a basic element in the development of ICTs and more affordable access to them, particularly in developing countries.

36. The radio frequency spectrum should be managed in the public interest and in accordance with principle of legality, with full observance of national laws and regulation as well as relevant international agreements.

37. [We commit ourselves to taking steps with a view to the avoidance of and refrain from any unilateral measure not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development by the population of the affected countries, that hinder the well-being of their population, including the benefit from the Information Society.]

38. Recognizing that ICTs are progressively changing our way of working, the creation of a secure, safe and healthy working environment, appropriate to the utilisation of ICTs, respecting core labour standards, is fundamental.

39. The Internet has evolved into a global facility available to the public and its governance should constitute a core issue of the Information Society agenda. The international management of the Internet should be multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations. It should ensure an equitable distribution of resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure functioning of the Internet, taking into account multilingualism.

40. The management of the Internet encompasses both technical and policy issues. The private sector has had and will continue to have an important role in the development of the Internet [at the technical level].

[Alternative 40. The management of the Internet encompasses both technical and public policy issues. The private sector has had an important role in the development of the Internet. The private sector should continue to play an important role at the technical and commercial levels.]

41. Policy authority for Internet-related public policy issues should be the sovereign right of countries.

42. [Internet issues of an international nature related to public policies should be coordinated

Alternatives:

a) between governments and other interested parties.

b) through/by appropriate intergovernmental organizations under the UN framework.

c) as appropriate on an intergovernmental basis.

d) through/by appropriate international organizations.

e) through appropriate and mutually agreed international organizations.]]

7) ICT-Applications: benefits in all aspects of life.

43. [The usage and deployment of ICTs should seek to create benefits in all aspects of our daily life including government operations, health care, education and training, employment, management of natural resources, disaster prevention, business and culture, agriculture, and for alleviating poverty. ICTs should also contribute to sustainable production and consumption patterns, through improved efficiency in the use of resources and production, also, they can and should reduce traditional barriers, thus providing an exceptional opportunity for all to access local and global markets in a more equitable manner.. Applications should be user-friendly, accessible to all, affordable, adapted to local needs languages and cultures, and support socio-economic and sustainable development of local communities.]

8) [Cultural identity and diversity, linguistic diversity and local content]

44. [In building the Information Society it is important to recall that culture takes diverse forms across time and space and that this diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of identities of the groups and societies making up humankind. The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. The Information Society should be founded on and stimulate respect for cultural and linguistic diversity, value systems, traditions and beliefs and foster dialogue among cultures and civilisations.]

45. The creation, dissemination and preservation of content in diverse languages and formats must be accorded high priority in building an inclusive Information Society, paying particular attention to the diversity of supply of creative work and due recognition of the rights of authors and artists. It is essential to promote the production of and accessibility to all contenteducational, scientific, cultural or recreationalin diverse languages and formats. The development of local content suited to domestic or regional needs will encourage social and economic development and will stimulate participation of all stakeholders, including people living in rural, remote and marginal areas.

46. The preservation of cultural heritage is a crucial component of identity and self –understanding of individuals that links a community to its past. The information society should harness and preserve cultural heritage for the future by all appropriate methods, including digitization.

9) Media [development]

47. The existence of [independent pluralistic and free] media [in accordance with the legal system of each country and] based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [particularly on Articles 19 and 29] is crucial to any conception of the Information Society. [Individuals and media should have access to available information]/[Freedom of access to and use of information for the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge are important principles of the Information Society.] [Pluralism of information and diversity of media ownership should be encouraged]. Traditional media in all its forms will continue to have an important role in the Information Society and ICTs should play a supportive role in this regard. [Formulation of professional and ethical standards in journalism is the responsibility of media professionals.]

10) Ethical dimensions of the Information Society

48. [A. The Information Society should [in accordance with the UN Declaration of Human Rights,] [respect peace and] uphold [the values of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as other] fundamental values such as [peace,] freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility. [Of particular interest for the Information Society are truth, trust, honesty, justice, human dignity, [transparency and accountability].] [Truth, trust, honesty, justice, human dignity, and respect for [the diversity of] moral, social, and religious values of all societies are equally important in the Information Society.]

B. [All actors in the Information Society should seek to promote the common good, protect privacy, and to prevent abusive uses of ICTs[, such as [criminal conduct based on] acts of racial discrimination, xenophobia, [pornography/obscenity] and paedophilia]. The freedom of use of ICTs should respect human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, including personal privacy, freedom of thought, conscience and religion. [These values are particularly relevant when commercial activities are conducted through networks].

OR B. [All actors in the Information Society should seek to prevent abusive uses of ICTs such as racism, discrimination, xenophobia, paedophilia and other harmful content.

C. [The freedom of use of ICTs should respect human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, including personal privacy, freedom of thought, conscience and religion.]

D. [The Information Society [should/shall] [take fully into account the requirements of ethics and morality and] [should/shall] accord the widest possible protection and assistance to the family, which is the natural and fundamental group unit of society.]]

11) International and regional cooperation

49. We aim at making full use of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies, notably to assist effectively in the implementation of the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. In order to build an inclusive global Information Society, we will rely on international cooperation in seeking concrete [approaches] [mechanisms], including financial and technical assistance, to bridge the digital divide. This will involve cooperation among states and other stakeholders, including international financial and other organizations. We therefore invite all stakeholders [to join in] [to commit to] the “Digital Solidarity Agenda”, [the section of] the Action Plan, that identifies concrete actions we plan to undertake and the targets we set ourselves in order to meet these goals.

49bis [Assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition in narrowing the digital divide, creating digital opportunities and harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies for development through technology transfer on mutually agreed terms and the provision of financial and technical support and, in this context, support the World Summit on the Information Society.]

50. We commit ourselves to strengthening cooperation to seek common responses to the challenges and to the implementation of the Plan of Action [to be henceforth referred to as the “Digital Solidarity Agenda”] which will realize the vision of an inclusive Information Society based on the key principles incorporated in this Declaration

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