The new Courier

October 2003

This article summarises issues of global information and communication technology priorities and policies. It was written to bring these to attention prior to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

It begins by explaining the reasoning of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for promoting the concept of "knowledge societies" instead of "information societies". The latter stresses connectivity and says nothing about the content and utilisation of the new communication networks. The former respects "four key principles: equal access to education; freedom of expression; universal access to information based on a guarantee of a strong public domain of information; and the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity, including multilingualism,” according to UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

Issues include education, freedom of speech, access, and diversity. Studies show that open universities increase access, and distance education reduces cost; but information and communication technology (ICT) has not provided access to primary and secondary education in developing countries.

According to the article, ICT, in particular the internet, offers the possibility of individual freedom of speech because it is a two-way communication platform. UNESCO and professional journalists argue that online information and communication must enjoy the same rights as traditional print and broadcast media: freedom from harassment of journalists and from restrictive measures including technical, legislative, administrative, and financial.

To be used widely, access must include relevancy, transparent e-governance, and cultural and language adaptations. Copyright is an incentive for creative development and funding, but must be balanced with public access to knowledge and information.

Questions of ICT multilingualism are raised in the context of the debate over whether ICT creates more opportunities for homogeneity or for diversity. The following possibilities are raised in response to those questions:

Heritage preservation for cultural diversity becomes an issue when electronic materials are not archived permanently. UNESCO hopes to ensure permanent accessibility to electronic materials. According to the article, maximising social benefits of ICT seems to depend on "a strong commitment of the public sector."