Bamako hosts preparations for world summit on information society

Abstract

The Bamako 2002 proceedings start from a common digital vision for Africa in the form of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI), launched in May 1996 by the continent's Ministers of Economic Planning and Development, and later adopted by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit of Heads of State and Government in Yaounde, Cameroon. The objective of the World Summit on the Information Society is to formulate a common vision and understanding of the global information society. It is expected to adopt a Declaration of Principles and an Action Plan to facilitate the effective growth of the Information Society and to help bridge the digital divide. It is also regarded as an effective means to assist the United Nations in fulfilling the goals of the Millennium Declaration. The Summit will be held in two phases: Geneva from 10 -12 December 2003, and Tunis in 2005, preceded by preparatory meetings the first of which will be held in Geneva from 1 - 5 July 2002.