Multilateral Diplomacy and the Information Society
Abstract
Diplomacy is the art of advancing national interests through permanent negotiations and a sustained exchange of information among nations and peoples. In the present world of instantaneous information, multilateral diplomacy has every chance to sustain even more its relevance.
One of the most important components of multilateral diplomacy activities over the 2002-2005 period is dedicated to meetings at sub-regional, regional and global levels dealing with the future architecture of the Information Society. In 2001, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) decided to hold a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases: the first from 10 to 12 December 2003, in Geneva, Switzerland and the second in 2005 in Tunis, Tunisia.
The global Information Society is evolving with extraordinary rapidity. The convergence between telecommunications, broadcasting multimedia and information and communication technologies (ICTs) is driving not only new products and services, but also new ways of conducting business and trade. Trade, social and professional opportunities are expanding alongside with new markets open to competition, foreign investment and participation. This unprecedented dynamic brought by globalization requires global discussions and negotiations. The WSIS will provide a unique opportunity for all concerned people to meet at a high-level gathering and to develop a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the world community. It will bring together Heads of State, Executive Heads of United Nations agencies, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, media representatives and civil society in a single political and diplomatic event.
The anticipated outcome of the Summit is to endorse a concrete plan of action for achieving the goals of the Information Society, taking into account the different interests of various groups of States.
A High-Level Summit Organizing Committee has been established under the patronage of Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, who has frequently argued that the principal challenge we face today is to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all peoples, instead of leaving millions behind in poverty and squalor.
Many questions are waiting for adequate answers. The twin phase World Summit on the Information Society in 2003-2005 provides an excellent opportunity to make tangible progress in this area. It is vital to elaborate a set of basic principles of the Information Society which is expected to be universal and empowering. It should promote global digital solidarity and prevent new divisions.
The humanistic concept of Opus Solidaritatis Pax, developed by the Holy See, is fully applicable in our globalizing world. The WSIS is expected to serve as a catalyst for “inclusive globalization” and afford a diplomatic and professional opportunity to deal with a large range of issues raised by the emergence of an information-intensive society. It should contribute to consolidating dialogue among civilisations. Socrates’ teaching is always topical: “There is only one good, knowledge; and only one evil, ignorance.” The WSIS is expected to give further tangibility to this truth. Diplomacy will not be condemned to irrelevancy in this process.
