THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States appreciates this opportunity to reiterate our views on WSIS
implementation and follow-up. As WSIS PrepCom I noted, we have an important
opportunity “to address questions about the Information Society in a comprehensive and
inclusive manner, and to ensure that the benefits of new technologies, especially
Information and Communication Technologies, are available to all.” We believe the
discussion about WSIS implementation and follow-up is a critical part of the larger
discussion about how to use information technologies to advance the cause of
development.
As we consider these issues, the United States believes it is important to recall
UNGA Resolution 57/270 regarding the “Integrated and Coordinated Implementation of
and Follow-up to the Outcomes of the major United Nations Conferences and Summits
in the Economic and Social Fields” which calls for UN Agencies to implement the
results of UN Conferences and Summits in accordance with their respective mandates.
We note that in implementing the political decisions reached in the final Tunis
documents, the relevant organizations should implement those decisions as appropriate
to their own circumstances and mandate. Where a decision reached in the final Tunis
documents exceeds the capacity of an implementing organization under its existing legal
authorities, that deficiency cannot be remedied by the final Tunis documents.
The U.S. proposal, therefore, calls upon the various agencies of the United
Nations to incorporate the results of WSIS in their programs of work, consistent with
their respective mandates. We also believe that the unique multi-stakeholder character
of the WSIS must be reflected in the follow-up to the WSIS. Finally, the United States
does not believe it is necessary to separate follow-up from implementation and suggests
that the WSIS documents be adjusted accordingly. The U.S. proposal for paragraphs 10
and 11 of document WSIS II/PC-2/DT/2 (Rev.2)-E is as follows:
In order to assure the sustainability of the WSIS Process after the completion of
the Summit, the relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the UN system
should incorporate the results of the WSIS in their respective mandates.
The operational work should build upon the innovative, participatory, multi-
stakeholder modalities utilized in the WSIS. The Secretary General of the United
Nations is further requested to submit an annual report on those follow-up
activities.
We look forward to participating in the Group of Friends of the Chair (GFC) and fully
expect that any output of the GFC will include this submission.