9:12 a.m.
Hello advisors. You may (or not) remember that, over the last year, we
have have been involved in discussions with ISED/GC re: Canadian
stakeholder positions on the WSIS+20 discussions. While all stakeholders
agreed to the importance of the multistakeholder model for internet
governance, the internet governance forum, more inclusive language,
etc., we did put forward some wording around community networks which
was accepted. But there is much more to these discussions. We now have
the official Canadian/Australian Governments' proposed amendments to the
proposed initial bargaining position on WSIS+20 known as the zero-draft
which you can look at here:
Canada and Australia_inputs to Zero Draft.pdf
<https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2025...
We can take some credit for the proposed changes to the following
paragraphs: (proposed deletions in red; additions/amendments in italics)
68.
We recognise the importance of digital skills and lifelong access to
digital learning opportunities, taking into account the specific
social, cultural and linguistic needs of each society and persons of
all ages and backgrounds, /and the work of communities, institutions
and individuals in developing digital skills aligned to local needs/.
76.
We recognise that development partners, including regional
development banks, and public funding have also played an important
role in financing information and communications networks and
services, particularly supporting their deployment in areas that
have been considered commercially unviable. Innovative mechanisms,
including universal access funds and community networks, have
contributed to extending connectivity in /remoter areas
//underserved, remote and rural areas./
Marita