12 December 2003
STATEMENT OF SWISS GOVERNMENT DURING
“REPORTS FROM MULTISTAKEHOLDER EVENTS” SESSION
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
I would like to start by highlighting why Switzerland initiated the idea of organizing
Multi-stakeholder Summit Events. For the host country, the main objectives were to:
Offer a platform of communication
Support active networking amongst all stakeholders
Create a space for informal discussions that can nurture the official debates and
Foster collaboration, leading to concrete partnerships that may reach far beyond
this first Phase of WSIS in Geneva.
Our partners in making this concept a success were all the stakeholders involved in the
WSIS process: governments, international organizations, NGOs, civil society, the
private sector, the media and many more from countries all around the world.
More than 280 Summit Events were organized. It is important to note the high quality
and diversity of the various Summit Events. From panel discussions to workshops,
exhibitions to forums, and symposia to conferences, including live performances and
cultural opportunities, these events truly enhanced the experience of this Summit for all
of us.
The Summit Events also cover a broad range of themes including ICT for development,
media, connectivity, human rights, knowledge and education, cultural diversity, gender,
science, local government, disability, as well as investment and infrastructure, youth and
entrepreneurship, indigenous peoples, volunteering, technology and open source and
small and medium size enterprises. This diversity of themes has enriched the Geneva
phase of the Summit.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Switzerland, I would like to thank the organizers
of these many events, for their significant contributions to this Summit.