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I'm forwarding this message on behalf of the Networking Forum.  Please=20
respond to the original sender.

Happy New Year!
Don Richardson

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 20:25:27 -0500 (EST)
From: Maria Saenz <msaenz@amauta.rcp.net.pe>
To: devel-l@auvm.american.edu, drichard@res.uoguelph.ca,
    lala-l@uga.cc.uga.edu, sackman@plains.nodak.edu
Subject: NETWORKING FORUM - LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN

                           INVITATION


  FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM ON LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS

                             Lima, Peru
                             April 1996



The participating institutions in the construction of the Latin=20
American and Caribbean (LAC) Internet have developed with great=20
effort the basis of a networking infrastructure and culture in this=20
region. Much of this effort has been supported to a large degree by=20
certain individuals and international organizations.

Four years after our first meeting in Rio de Janeiro, sponsored by=20
the RedHUCyT project of the Organization of American States (OAS) and=20
by different national organizations, most of the non-profit, national=20
and academic networks have matured considerably.

Meanwhile, the Internet is rapidly changing and has become a hot=20
topic.  Many national telephone carriers (PTTs) are now involved in=20
this new market.

It is in this context that we, as a region, believe that it is=20
necessary to seize the opportunities and face the problems that will=20
become present in the following years.  It is urgent, as said by the=20
Uruguayan Ida Holz, to "be one step ahead of the great changes".

Taking these ideas into account the Red Cientifica Peruana (RCP),=20
along with all of the non-profit, national and academic networks,=20
cordially invites you to participate in the FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM OF=20
LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS that will take place during=20
April 14-19, 1996 in Lima, Peru.

The objectives of this Forum are the following:

- Prepare LAC to act together in future worldwide events where=20
  decisions are taken that affect the future of its Internet.  As a=20
  result of this, we will prepare ourselves for INET 96 in Montreal=20
  and for the Sixth Permanent Forum, which will take place in=20
  Santiago de Chile the following September.

- Decide about the formation of a formal body that will encourage=20
  LAC=92s Internet development.  At the same time the future role of=20
  the Permanent Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Networks will=20
  be discussed.

- Examine ways in which networks turn into agents of social,=20
  cultural and economic change in LAC.

- Exchange information about the latest technical and policy=20
  changes related to the LAC Internet.


This Forum will focus on the following:

- WIDE PARTICIPATION.  All the actors involved in the development of=20
  the LAC Internet will participate in this Forum. In contrast to=20
  its predecessors, where only network administrators participated,=20
  we are now inviting representatives of PTTs, end users and=20
  international experts.

  Moreover, the organization of this Forum will be done exclusively=20
  by the Red Cientifica Peruana, but rather by an international=20
  Organizing Committee.

- ACCOUNTABILITY TO END-USERS.  Networks and PTTs do not have any=20
  intrinsic value.  Rather, their value is based on the extent to=20
  which they can provide high quality, accessible services and be=20
  held accountable to end-users.



I. FORUM STAGES

The Forum is divided into three stages: a LAC Internet strategic=20
planning workshop, a paper presentation session about seven current=20
topics, and a debate on the future of the Peruvian Internet.  In the=20
first stage, a group of multidisciplinary Internet experts will=20
participate and will be responsible for disseminating the results.=20
The other two stages are addressed to a wider audience of people=20
interested in the LAC Internet.

The Organizing Committee will meet four days before the Forum in=20
order to prepare a discussion document which will be the basis for=20
the strategic planning workshop.  This document will take into=20
consideration the presentation papers sent to the Organizing=20
Committee, following the instructions mentioned below.


I.1. LAC INTERNET STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP

Networks and PTT representatives, users and experts will examine the=20
achivements and most important problems ahead for the LAC Internet=20
development.  This group will search for regional solutions to shared=20
needs.

The main topics of the workshop will be (footnote 1):

     - PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNET SOCIETY (ISOC).  During the=20
       last ISOC meeting, INET 95, the enormous changes ocurring=20
       within the Internet were a main point of discussion.  Low=20
       LAC representation in the ISOC has restricted real=20
       participation of the region in ISOC=92s decision-making=20
       processes.  There is great interest to combine our efforts=20
       in order to participate more actively in those processes.

     - THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL NETWORKS. National networks, which=20
       bring together the efforts of the non-profit, academic,=20
       gubernamental, private and non-governmental sectors, have the=20
       potential to ensure the stability of Internet access to LAC=92s=20
       civil society.  The workshop will closely examine the lessons=20
       learned by national networks, in order to define their=20
       role in the development of LAC.

     - STRENGTHENING OF TIES BETWEEN NETWORKS AND PTTs.  Networks=20
       and PTTs have often seen each other as competitors.  This=20
       workshop will gather representatives from both sides in order=20
       to find areas in which the two can work together.

     - THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT. The existance or lack of national=20
       policies and regulations on information and=20
       telecommunications have had an important impact on the=20
       Internet development.  We need to understand the current=20
       state of these policies and regulations in order to find=20
       areas in which we can act, and to plan for the development of=20
       our services.

     - COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE INTERNET.  One of the hottest topics=20
       in 1995 has been the commercialization of the Internet. In=20
       this new context we must protect the interests of all end=20
       users.

     - INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET.  The Internet is more than=20
       simply cables and plugs. It is a space for information=20
       exchange.  We are capable of providing technical support to=20
       place Spanish- and Portuguese-language information resources=20
       on-line.  The complex relationships among different=20
       information resources, and the creation of infomation about=20
       on-line information will be two important areas of work=20
       during the following years.

     - LAC BACKBONE.  The importance of strengthening our regional=20
       infrastructure has been widely discussed for years.  One of=20
       the crucial points is the creation of a regional backbone=20
       that can provide various access points to the global=20
       Internet.  Before the start of the Forum we will make=20
       available on the Web the latest backbone developments so that=20
       they can be discussed during the Forum.

     - SELF-SUSTAINABILITY AND FUND RAISING. Participants will=20
       analize the alternatives for achieving financial=20
       sustainability, taking into consideration the creation of=20
       mechanisms of coordination and mutual support, as well as the=20
       role of the donor community.

     - CREATION OF A PERMANENT LAC COORDINATING ENTITY. One of the=20
       most important points of this workshop will be deciding=20
       whether or not we should create an executive and coordinating=20
       body for LAC Internet development.  If so, the Forum=92s=20
       participants will define its mission and mode of operation.=20


In another memo which will be sent before the start of the Forum, the=20
Organizing Committee will offer the details of the workshop=20
methodology, which will make use of strategic planning tools applied=20
by professional consultants.



I.2. PAPER PRESENTATION

During two-and-a-half days, experts will present papers about several=20
current topics.  These papers may include case studies, innovative=20
proposals and experiences that are important to share with the LAC=20
Internet community.

Please send your papers to the Organizing Committee.  The following=20
topics are encouraged:

     - POLICIES AND REGULATIONS. Changes inside the Internet force=20
       us to adapt today=92s policies and regulations in order to=20
       ensure the development and accessibility of its services to=20
       the LAC civil society.

     - SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACT.  Fast and low-cost communication=20
       and information exchange at the local, regional and global=20
       promise the emergence of a new era for humanity.  The effects=20
       of the Internet are already being felt by people who work in=20
       many fields, such as health, environment, human rights, rural=20
       and urban development, as well as in the organizational=20
       culture of institutions where these individuals work and in=20
       the communities where they live.

     - EDUCATION.  The Internet has brought change to the=20
       educational system. Interactive distance education, the=20
       increase of creativity and the new distinctive attitude=20
       toward the use of information have all resulted from the use=20
       of the Internet.

     - SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE ON THE INTERNET.  Given that most=20
       information available on the Internet is in English, Latin=20
       Amerian society cannot take full advantage of this=20
       technology.  Important efforts are underway to support=20
       information producers in Spanish and Portuguese in placing=20
       their resources on-line.  Other persons have chosen to=20
       translate the information written in other languages into=20
       Spanish and Portuguese.

     - MARKETING AND COMMERCE THROUGH THE INTERNET.  Marketing=20
       through the Internet has allowed small and medium businesses=20
       to compete on more equal terms against large businesses.  The=20
       way people exchange goods and services is changing at all=20
       levels.  We have the opportunity to learn from the successes=20
       and failures of other countries that are investing resources=20
       to make the Internet the new global trade avenue.

     - TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES.  Many software and hardware=20
       innovations are being adapted to LAC and, in some cases,=20
       developed.  Multimedia, information management and recovery=20
       techniques, friendly end-user interfaces lead the list. =20
       Network administrators are incorporating new protocols,=20
       designs, and other concepts into their networks.

     - END-USER SUPPORT.  The use of the Internet intimidates many=20
       users.  In order to eliminate cultural and technical barriers=20
       we must offer user-friendly and low-cost services and=20
       training, which show users how to employ Internet tools for=20
       their own benefit and that of their community.


Please send your presentation papers according to the following=20
instructions:

     - Papers in Spanish, Portuguese and English are accepted. =20
       Please keep your papers under 2,500 words.

     - Send a complete version of your paper in ASCII before March 1=20
       1996 to the following e-mail address:=20
       <ponencias-foro@rcp.net.pe>.

     - Include with your paper a summary; author=92s information; main=20
       contact; topic of your paper according to the above-mentioned=20
       list; and  keywords.  (The information on each person must=20
       include e-mail and postal addresses, as well as street=20
       address, and voice and fax numbers).

On March 8 1996, the Organizing Committee will inform you whether or=20
not your paper has been accepted for presentation, and instructions=20
for you to send the final version of your paper before March 12, so=20
that it may be included in the Forum proceedings.



I.3. DEBATE ABOUT THE PERUVIAN INTERNET

Decision makers in the Peruvian government, private enterprise,=20
national and international development organizations and universities=20
will join us for the Forum=92s closing session. Participants will=20
debate the Forum=92s conclusions and discuss the creation of policies=20
and regulations which would provide a frame of reference for the=20
continuing development of the Peruvian Internet.



II.  LOGISTICS


     - DATE OF THE EVENT.

       STAGE                            DATE
       -----------------------------------------------------------
       Organizing Committee Meeting     April 10-12
       Strategic Planning Worshop       April 14-16
       Paper Presentations              April 17-19
       Peruvian Internet Debate         April 19 (afternoon)

       Participants must arrive in Lima, Peru at least the night=20
       before the date of the stage that they plan to attend.

     - APPLICATION DEADLINE. January 30 will be the deadline to send=20
       your application to attend this event.  (At the end of this=20
       message you will find an application form).  The final=20
       confirmation of your assistance must be received before=20
       March 10.

     - LANGUAGES. The main languages will be Spanish and Portuguese. =20
       Simultaneous translation services for English speakers will=20
       be provided.

     - COST. The estimated cost of participation for the three=20
       stages of the Forum will be between US$800 and US$1000.  If=20
       you participate only in the paper presentation stage and in=20
       the Peruvian Internet debate the cost will be between US$500=20
       and US$600.  You will be notified of the exact costs at the=20
       end of January 1996.

       The cost covers entrance to the Forum, accomodation in double=20
       rooms, three meals a day for seven days, round-trip airport-
       hotel transportation.

     - SCHOLARSHIPS. If you need financial support to cover the=20
       participation costs and/or your airplane ticket, please send=20
       your application to the following e-mail address:=20
       <becas-foro@rcp.net.pe>

       We will try to provide support for as many people as=20
       possible, giving priority to those who contribute with=20
       papers.  FULL SCHOLARSHIPS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.  All=20
       participants must contribute according to their=20
       possibilities.

     - PASSPORTS AND VISAS.  We suggest that you verify that your=20
       passport is valid through early May 1996.  Please ask the=20
       Peruvian Consulate in your country whether you need a visa=20
       to enter Peru.


It is very important that you inform the Organizing Committee=20
regarding your participation in the Fifth Forum before January 30.

You will find this and other information available on our gopher and=20
WWW servers.  Please write to us if you need further information.

We look forward to seeing you,

Jose Soriano
RCP

E-mail         comite-foro@rcp.net.pe
Gopher         gopher://gopher.rcp.net.pe
WWW            http://www.rcp.net.pe/VFORO
Voice          +51 (1) 954-4799 (new number), 241-5689 and 241-5696
Fax            +51 (1) 241-1320


FOOTNOTES
Note 1. These topics were obtained from the network administrators=20
discussion in the electronic list <enredo@conicit.ve>.


-----------------------------------------------------------

                      APPLICATION FORM

FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM OF LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS
                         Lima, Peru
                         April 1996

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

   1.1. Last name:

   1.2. First name:

   1.3. Sex (m/f):

   1.4. Telephone (home):

   1.5. Nationality:

   1.6. Languages in which you are fluent:

   1.7. Smoke (yes/no):

   1.8. Special food habits:

   1.9. Other important information to ensure adecuate=20
        accomodations, meals, and transportion:


2. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION

   2.1. Name of your institution:

   2.2. Position:

   2.3. Postal address:

   2.4. Street address:

   2.5. E-mail address:

   2.6. Tel:

   2.7. Fax:


3. FORUM PARTICIPATION

   3.1. Please mark with an =93X=94 the Forum stages in which you plan=20
        to attend:
        () Strategic Planning Workshop       April 14-16
        () Paper Presentation                April 17-19
        () Peruvian Internet Debate          April 19 (afternoon)

   3.2. Have you applied or do you plan to apply for a partial
        scholarship in order to participate in this Forum (yes/no)?

   3.3. Will you present a paper in the Forum (yes/no)?

   3.4. How did you learn about this event for the first time?

   3.5. In which of the topics included in the Forum are you=20
        interested?