🚀 go-pugleaf

This note is a request for ideas and information on how NGOs in
communications might benefit from an input into the activities of
the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).  A report is
currently being prepared on this topic for the ITU.

Hi everybody,

The MacBride Round Table on Communication (of which I am
vice-chair) at its meeting in Tunis in March decided to explore
whether we could become an accredited NGO to the ITU (amongst
other agencies).  Initial exploration revealed that the ITU has no
such mechanism for NGO involvement.  However, when approached, the
Secretary General of the ITU, Pekka Tarjanne, was open to the idea
and agreed, in meetings that included their head of strategy, Don
MacLean, that they should explore the possibility of developing
such a mechanism. It fits in well with their general attempts to
strategically locate themselves as the central agency dealing with
the Information Society/NII/GII in general.  As a result, on
behalf of the MacBride Round Table, I am preparing a short report
for the Secretary General to explore how the ITU might open its
doors to links with the NGO community.  It will be presented to
them in October, at the TELECOM '95 conference.

The structure I propose for the report is in four sections, as
follows:

1. The rationale for, and value of, an enhanced role for NGOs in
the ITU (from their perspective, as well as for NGOs).

2. The mechanisms by which this might happen, in terms of the
(arcane) structures and procedures of the ITU, possibly drawing on
the experience of other UN organisations.  The next
Plenipotentiary is in '98, which is about right for any structural
tweaking needed.

3. A list of some NGOs that might be interested, as well as some
informal comments on what their interest might be;

4.  Proposals on how to move forward.

I would greatly appreciate your help on these ideas.
Specifically:

1. From a general points of view, what might NGOs get from the
ITU?  A voice in which areas that might make a difference?  Being
informed on what is happening? etc.

2.  From the perspective of NGOs that you are involved with, how
might you benefit?

3.  Which others NGOs might benefit, and why (specific NGOs or
general types);

4.  What proposals might you suggest for such involvement?

5.  Anything else that might be useful, especially publications or
other references.

The ITU is far more influenced than in the past by the needs of
industry - and government representatives have anyhow often put
narrow national interests ahead of real development needs.
Nevertheless, they are a UN organisation and have a broad
constituency that must be served, and the UN system as a whole
(ECOSOC) is right now reconsidering how the role of NGOs might be
increased.

So there may really be some opportunity here to introduce some
balance into their activities, and give a voice to grass-roots
development.

One further point:  On a related issue, I am seeking references to
publications that deal with the topic of Universal Service at a
global level - or any ideas you might have.  I will be presenting
a paper at the TELECOM '95 conference on the topic.

Responses will be greatly appreciated on these issues, and I will
copy the final report to all that contribute or are interested.


Sean O'Siochru NEXUS Research Cooperative 14 Eaton Brae Shankill
Co. Dublin tel: +353 1 2821003  (h) fax: +353 1 2720034 (h)
Siochru@toppsi.gn.apc.org Compuserve: 100325,3566

ANNEX: Main Activities of the ITU.

The ITU is part of the UN system since 1947 and its goal is to
facilitate and promote the development of global
telecommunications: 184 national members, 700 employees, 12 field
offices.  Most of the technical work is done by national PTTs, and
private sector members.  It is organised into three sectors.

1: ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R)

This works towards 'rational, equitable, efficient and economic
use of radiofrequency spectrum', earthbound and in space, and
carries out related studies.  Among current priorities are to:
'assist developing countries in raising [modern radio] penetration
levels, particularly in rural areas'.

2. Standardisation Sector (ITU-S)

The aim is to study and adopt recommendations on technical,
operating and tariff questions, with a view to standardising
telecommunications on a worldwide basis.  Relevant priorities
include:  'to continue to develop and review tariff and accounting
principles for international telecommunications'.

3. Development Sector (ITU-D)

This is most relevant: Its aim is to reflect the ITU's status both
as a UN specialised agency and as an executing agency for
development projects using UN or other funding.  Activities
include: raising awareness of the importance of telecommunications
for national development; providing information and policy advice;
promoting the development networks in and between developing
countries; supporting transfer of technology; and devoting special
attention to the least developed countries.

An Action Plan is in place for 1995-99 comprising a set of
programmes, although funding must mostly come from other sources.
It includes programmes for telecommunications for integration
rural development; telematics and computer networks for
development; broadcast infrastructure; policies and strategies;
and human resources development.

Beyond these three sectors, the ITU has various policy support
activities in the adoption of a broader approach to
telecommunication issues in the global information economy and
society.'  These include: the World Telecommunications Policy
Forum; the Strategies Forum at the ITU TELECOM '95; their annual
World Telecommunications Development Report; and a set of
colloquia on various policy and technical issues.  They are also
in the process of creating an independent commercially based
investment fund for telecommunications development, called
WorldTel.  NGOs are not involved in any of the above.

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