CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation (WGEC) on Public Policy Matters pertaining to the Internet
The first meeting of the 2nd Phase of the CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation (WGEC) (also refers to WGEC 2.0) on public policy matters pertaining to the Internet kicked off on 30 September, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerlan
The meeting was opened by the Acting Chair of the United Nations Commission for Science and Technology for Development (UN CSTD), Dr Peter Major of Hungary with remarks by the Head of the CSTD Secretariat, Ms Shamika Sirimanne.
The group appointed by consensus Ambassador Benedecto Fonseca of Brazil as the Chair of the Working Group. The Group agreed to have 4 – 5 meetings altogether with its report ready for submission by May 2018. On it working method, the Group agreed to meet in plenary but may however breakout if considered necessary. It also agreed to send out 2-3 questions to stakeholders for input before its 2nd meeting in January 23-27, 2017. Generally, members expressed positive tone on ensuring that there are concrete recommendations produced at the end of its work in 2018.
The group is composed of 20 countries, 2 WSIS hosts – Switzerland and Tunisia, and 5 members each from Business (of which Dr Jimson Olufuye is one representing AfICTA), Civil Society and Technical/Academic community.
It can be recalled that the UN GA Resolution A/RES/70/125 in its paragraph 4.1 Enhanced Cooperation gives a clear assessment of the process towards enhanced cooperation and instructed the Chair of the CSTD about the establishment of the group. The resolution is explicit about the goal of the exercise, the expected results, the reporting mechanism and timeline:
“4.1. Enhanced cooperation
64. We acknowledge that various initiatives have been implemented and some progress has been made in relation to the process towards enhanced cooperation detailed in paragraphs 69 to 71 of the Tunis Agenda.
65. We note, however, the divergent views held by Member States with respect to the process towards implementation of enhanced cooperation as envisioned in the Tunis Agenda. We call for continued dialogue and work on the implementation of enhanced cooperation. We accordingly request the Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, through the Economic and Social Council, to establish a working group to develop recommendations on how to further implement enhanced cooperation as envisioned in the Tunis Agenda, taking into consideration the work that has been done on this matter thus far. The group, which shall be constituted no later than July 2016, will decide at the outset on its methods of work, including modalities, and will ensure the full involvement of all relevant stakeholders, taking into account all their diverse views and expertise. The group will submit a report to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development at its twenty-first session for inclusion in the annual report of the Commission to the Council. The report will also serve as an input to the regular reporting of the Secretary-General on implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society.”
It can be recalled also that on 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 — officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals.
It is therefore appropriate to underscore the relevance of the work of WGEC with respect to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this wise, the WGEC shall give careful consideration as how to help through its recommendations the implementation of the SDGs.
Mandates of the CSTD:
“Mandate related to the follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Since 2006, the Commission has been mandated by ECOSOC to serve as the focal point in the system-wide follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the information Society (WSIS) and advise the Council thereon, including through the elaboration of recommendations to the Council aimed at furthering the implementation of the Summit outcomes.
To that end, the Commission:
· Reviews and assesses progress at the international and regional levels in the implementation of action lines, recommendations and commitments contained in the outcome documents of the Summit;
· Shares best and effective practices and lessons learned and identifies obstacles and constraints encountered, actions and initiatives to overcome them and important measures for further implementation of the Summit outcomes;
· Promotes dialogue and foster partnerships, in coordination with other appropriate United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies, to contribute to the attainment of the Summit objectives and the implementation of its outcomes and to use information and communication technologies for development and the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, with the participation of Governments, the private sector, civil society, the United Nations and other international organizations in accordance with their different roles and responsibilities.
Mandate related to science and technology for development
The Commission acts as a forum for:
· the examination of science and technology questions and their implications for development;
· the advancement of understanding on science and technology policies, particularly in respect of developing countries and;
· the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on science and technology matters within the United Nations system.”
Arinola Akinyemi
