1. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society World Civil Society Forum The Role of Civil Society in promoting an open and inclusive Information Society David Wortley Geneva July 2002 Email: dwortley@massmitec.co.uk

2. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Introduction and Objectives Information Communications Technologies (ICT) are creating the most profound societal changes in the history of man which could lead to a sustainable and equitable future or the destruction of the human race. This presentation seeks to explore the role of Civil Society in determining the final outcome.

3. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Why is the Digital Communications Revolution Different ? RoadsPrinting PressCanals Railways TelephoneRadio Television

4. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Citizen Empowerment The digital communications revolution brings global access to information and mass media tools and technologies.

5. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Observation and Monitoring Bringing greater transparency to global governance

6. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Communicating & Lobbying BroadcastingElectronic MailForums Mass Media Publishing

7. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Civil Society & Digital Divide

8. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society ICT and Civil Society Publishing technology Mailing lists Collaboration technologies Conferencing Virtual communities Electronic polling and surveys Civil Society must have access to legitimate use of the latest Information Communications Technologies

9. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Some Examples Global Community Network Congress Global Society Dialogue Global Sustainability Forum Community Media Association Communities on-line (CONET) THE Radio with Pictures Show (www.hcln.net)www.hcln.net

10. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society Conclusion Partnerships – The Way Ahead ? The future of the human race lies not in imposing global governance but in a recognition of our mutual inter-dependence and a willingness to forge genuine partnerships across sectors.

11. Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Information Society World Civil Society Forum The Role of Civil Society in promoting an open and inclusive Information Society David Wortley Geneva July 2002 Email: dwortley@massmitec.co.uk