Greetings of solidarity to all:
For those going to WSIS PrepCom3: I am forwarding a reminder from the
Secretariat below my message, and using this as an opportunity to
communicate again to all about some things for the fast aproaching PrepCom3
(less than a week away)/
A. ATTENDANCE
Can I have a short email from those who are sure of attending in Geneva:
1. Inclusive dates in Geneva (arrival/departure)
2. Lodging arrangements, contact info in Geneva (hotel, phone/fax, mobile)
Who I know are going from Asia Pacific are the following:
* Angela (Malaysia) -- only after the first week
* Izumi (Japan)
* Patcha, Myung Jun, Chun Hyung Wi + 1? (Korea)
* Chat (Philippines/Regional)
* Robert Sagun (Philippines)
* Nick M. (Australia)
* Reza S. (Bangla Desh)
* myself (Philippines)
Other (most probably going but am not absolutely sure, and their details):
Isis: Susanna (Malaysia/regional) and/or Mavic (Philippines/Regional) or
Raijeli (Fiji/regional)?
YJ Park?
Pacific reps?
+ Amir? (West Asia: Iran)
Anyone else? If you know of other Asian CSO people not on this list, can you
forward to me their names and contact info?
B. COORDINATION
For those going and arriving on or before the 14th, lets see if we can get
together during the afternoon of that day during the CONGO Orientation at
CICG or maybe in the afternoon of Day 1 (monday 15th), just to re-introduce
each other and the level of our participation in PrepCom3. There will be a
lot of meetings in and around the 2 weeks there and it will be good to
coordinate schedules early so we don't overlap. We will need to be briefed
by people who were in Paris to ensure continuity. We also need to divide
some work which we may decide as important, especially for our
caucus/family, for example:
- doing onsite reporting/sending to this list; documentation (this is most
important to keep people on this list informed of what is going on)
- deciding on our priority agendas are in the CSB, Plenary, and
Content/Themes structures
- logistical matters: ensure lodging, communication, and reservation of
rooms etc.
C. WEBSPACE
There was an old committee on info/outreach but am not sure it is active.
What I know that there was an old website and a design for a new WSIS-Asia
website.
I know this is a bit (or very late) but...better late than later! :-): I
suggest we try to use PrepCom 3 (and the flurry of materials/content which
will flow) to revive this area of work. I know people are busy and pressed
for time so can I just appeal to those in the old Info/Outreach group to
just coordinate on reviving whatever webspace we can use (naturally on the
wsisasia.org URL I assume). This may simply mean getting it ready and
linking it to the various official/NGO sites, and for us to upload content
from Geneva (and for people to translate it to various languages).
Concretely, may I ask Info/Outreach people going or not (Hamada, Patcha,
Isis people, FMA people) to have a quick online caucus on what can be done
in the next week or so. Whatever can be done will be appreciated, and if not
much is possible I think we will all understand... Plus if there are people
on the list still willing to help here, maybe you should contact the people
I mentioned...
D. REPRESENTATION
It has been six months when the issue of Asian representation in the CSB was
raised by YJ in PrepCom2. The people in Geneva at that time voted, and
Angela and myself were chosen. But it was then agreed that after PrepCom2,
we would finalize our rep to CSB (inferring that we could choose other
people aside from Angela and myself).
Since February 2003, I am sure I have posted on this list 3-4 times a call
for nominations/suggestions for selecting this rep. There were practically
no responses. (There was encouraging responses though when we called for an
affirmation of Angela's status as our rep in the Paris intersessionals,
where she represented us extremely well.)
Now, the reality is that Angela and myself continue to be recognized as the
focal points for the Asia family by the CSB Secretariat, based on past
engagement. In relation to this, both of us are "resigned" to the fact that
we will still do the work (it is mainly work, as I think most have
realized), even with no formal reaffirmation from this list. Silence may
mean affirmation, but it is not a given at least for me.
So for the last time, I am asking people who have objections to Angela's and
my status as focal points (mainly in CSB) and convenor of the Asian CSO
Family/Caucus, to do so (no hard feelings, honestly), and to nominate a
person who will accept being our rep in Geneva (specifically in PrepCom3
coming up). If someone else is nominated by a significant number, and if
s/he accepts, s/he can be assured of Angela's and my support to her/him in
this function. (Concretely, we will be her "staff", and brief her on
everything we know, and support her every step of the way.).
If no one comes forward, Angela and I will try to perform the functions of
focal point/convenor as best we can. It would help to know though if this
responsibility which has been thrust on us is affirmed by most (if not all).
It is in the spirit of transparency and participation which I come to you
for the last time on this matter. Thanks.
Al Alegre
----- Original Message -----
From: <barbara.anders@itu.int>
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 11:22 PM
Subject: WSIS PrepCom-3 - Important Reminder
> REMINDER
>
> Subject: Third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3) of the
> World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
>
> Dear participant,
> You have been pre-registered for the third meeting of the Preparatory
> Committee (PrepCom-3) of the World Summit on the Information Society
> (WSIS) to be held in Geneva, from 15 to 26 September 2003.
> The meeting will be held at the:
> Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG)
> 5, rue de Varembé
> CH-1211 Geneva 20
>
> In order to avoid delays at registration on the first day of the
> conference, it is strongly recommended that you register on Sunday 14
> September 2003. At this time, you will receive your identity badge and be
> provided with a full set of documents for the meeting.
> The registration desks will be open in the main entrance of the CICG as
> follows:
> Sunday 14 September: 1400 to 1800 hours
> Monday to Friday 15-26 September: 0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 1800 hours
>
> More information can be found at http://www.itu.int/wsis
>
> With kind regards and best wishes,
> ITU/WSIS PrepCom-3 Delegate Registration Service
>
>
>