Discussion on new Para 24 of DT26

Proposed new text from Canada and Russia:

We invite UN agencies and other intergovernemntal organizations in line with UN GA reoslution 57/270B to facilitate activities among different stakeholders. [We request the UN Secretary General to establish with the CEB a UN group on the Information Society, chaired by the ITU] and consisting of the relevant UN organs and organizations with the mandate to facilitate the implementation [, evaluation] and the followup of the WSIS.

We further request the UN Secretary General to report to ECOSOC by June 2006, informing on the modalities of the interagency coordination of the implementation of WSIS decisions including recommendations on the follow-up process.

We request ECOSOC through its Commission on Science on Technology and Development to oversee the systematic follow-up of the Geneva and Tunis outcome of the WSIS.

We request ECOSOC at its substantive session of 2006 review the mandate, agenda and composition of the CSTD, including considerations of the strengthening of the Commission, including the multi-stakeholder approach.

Canada, Australia, US, EU: Reference to ITU is too prescriptive. Don’t specify ITU.

Significant debate on CSTD role. Supported by GRULAC, proposed by Chile. UK adds text “including the multi-stakeholder approach.” Norway, Saudi Arabia and Arab Group oppose CSTD role.

Our next meeting is tomorrow from 1200-1400.

There will be an informal meeting facilitated by Iran and Norway on new Para 4 in DT12 and Para 11N in DT26 at 1100 hours in room M-2.

There will be an informal meeting facilitated by Russia and Canada on Para 24 of DT26 at 1000 hours in Rm Sidi Boussaid.