Dear all,
Please find below some information on the CSB Secretariat meeting with the WSIS
ES.
Side-events Tunis:
- A new revised version of the list of side events requests for Tunis,
dated 25 July 2005, is now posted on the WSIS-ITU web site
(www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1656|0
<http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1656%7C0> ), taking
into account some corrections. This is not the final list of selected
side-events yet. They have received very few initiatives to merge side events.
- Priority will be given to very large networks and to those entities
which demonstrated interest throughout the WSIS process.
- The ES will probably suggest the reduction of requested time-slots
for side events, mainly for requests exceeding 2 hours; this would help provide
more space.
- The ES does not know the number of rooms available for side events
yet. The number of available rooms and therefore the number of side events would
be announced around 15 August.
Accreditation
150 new organizations have asked for accreditation so far. Please let us remind
you that the deadline to send the application for accreditation is 8 August 2005
(www.itu.int/wsis/participation/accreditation/index.html).
Side Events PrepCom 3
The WSIS ES asked CONGO to help coordinate the CS room requests for PrepCom-3
side-events. Further information will be made available soon.
In addition, note that Room XXII (Palais des Nations), equipped with WiFi, will
be provided to CS events during all PrepCom-3.
Orientation Session
An orientation session will be organised on Sunday 18 September. We just got the
confirmation that Room B or C at the ITU building will be fixed for that
purpose. You will be provided soon with a draft programme.
Fellowships
The WSIS ES does not have any definitive information on available funding for
PrepCom-3 Fellowship. They are still in contact with various potential donors.
At this stage, existing funding could allow 10 fellowships, which is totally
unsatisfactory. In any event, priority would be given to applicants satisfying
existing criteria. Selection conditions could be more flexible if more funding
for fellowships would be made available. Deadline for fellowships application is
5 August 2005.
Guidelines for fellowships:
www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en?&id=1575|0
<http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en?&id=1575%7C0>
Form for fellowships:
www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en?&id=1576|0
<http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en?&id=1576%7C0>
As concerns Tunisian funding for Tunis fellowship, we are still waiting for an
answer from the Tunisian authorities to the letter Renate sent earlier this
month.
Space related issues
The lack of available big conference rooms in the Tunis Kram Exhibition centre
will probably compel organisers to find more flexible solutions. Therefore, it
would be practically impossible to offer a permanent big room to civil society
during the Summit. However, the WSIS ES is considering the possibility for civil
society to use the Room of the Committee of the Whole (600 seats, interpretation
booths), which should not be often used by governmental meeting during the
Summit. More information will be made available on this question after a meeting
between the WSIS ES and the Tunisian authorities to be held on 4-5 August 2005.
Rooms dedicated to official Roundtables and for the High-Level Panel would
probably also be used for side events or unofficial roundtables.
The CSB requested Office facilities for Civil Society, close to WSIS ES for
better interactions to facilitate constant information flow.
Time management for PrepCom-3 (1st week)
Monday 19 September
AM: opening session
PM: Sub-Committee A on Internet Governance
Following days (20-23)
AM: Sub-Committee A on Internet Governance
PM: Sub-Committee B on Other issues
Best regards,
Alejandra Mendoza
Philippe Dam
CONGO - WSIS CS Secretariat
11, Avenue de la Paix
CH-1202 Geneva
Tel: +41 22 301 1000
Fax: +41 22 301 2000
E-mail: wsis@ngocongo.org <mailto:wsis@ngocongo.org>
Website: www.ngocongo.org <BLOCKED::http://www.ngocongo.org>
The Conference of NGOs (CONGO) is an international, membership association that
facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations debates and decisions.
Founded in 1948, CONGO's major objective is to ensure the presence of NGOs in
exchanges among the world's governments and United Nations agencies on issues of
global concern. For more information see our website at www.ngocongo.org
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