World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 
The Tokyo Declaration 
- the Asia-Pacific perspective to the WSIS -


 
Preamble

      Representatives of the governments of 47 countries, 22 international
organizations, 54 private sector entities and 116 non-governmental
organizations
(NGO) of the Asia-Pacific region gathered at the Asia-Pacific Regional
Conference,
held in Tokyo from 13 to 15 January 2003, to develop a shared vision and
common
strategies for the "Information Society". The objective of the conference was
to
discuss how best to work together to contribute to the region's effective
transition
to an Information Society that will accelerate and enhance regional economic,
social,
cultural and technological development. 
      The conference emphasized that a primary aim of the Information Society
must be
to facilitate full utilization of information and communication technologies
(ICT) at
all levels in society and hence enable the sharing of social and economic
benefits by
all, by means of ubiquitous access to information networks, while preserving
diversity and cultural heritage. 

      The Conference endorsed the important role that ICTs can play in
achieving the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which describe a fundamental set
of
principles and guidelines for combating poverty, hunger, disease,
illiteracy,
environmental degradation and gender inequality.


1. Shared vision of the Information Society

      The concept of an Information Society is one in which highly-developed
ICT
networks, equitable and ubiquitous access to information, appropriate content
in
accessible formats and effective communication can help people to achieve
their
potential, promote sustainable economic and social development, improve
quality of
life for all, alleviate poverty and hunger, and facilitate participatory
decision-making processes. The Information Society in the Asia-Pacific region
must:


    1) Provide equitable and appropriate access for all to well-developed,
affordable
and easily-accessed information and communication network infrastructures. 

 
2) Use ICTs as a driving force for the promotion of sustainable economic and
technological development by enlarging the gross national product (GNP)
through
increased technological innovation and continuous research and development
resulting
in reduced levels of poverty through robust economic growth.

 
3) Enhance the sharing and strengthening of global knowledge for development
by
ensuring equitable access to information for educational, scientific,
economic,
social, political and cultural activities, leading to a vibrant public domain
of
information.

 
4) Preserve the rich and diverse cultural heritage and social values of the
Asia-Pacific region in the information age.

 
5) Provide information and communication services targeted at disadvantaged
groups in
society, in particular those from lower income groups, to contribute to the
alleviation of poverty.

 
6) Use ICTs to strengthen traditional media such as broadcasting and print,
which
will continue to have an important role in disseminating content in the
Information
Society.

 
7) Promote the use of ICTs for capacity-building and human resource
development,
including ICT literacy, with special reference to the requirements of people
with
disabilities. 

 
8) Ensure the security and reliability of information and communication
networks so
as to build confidence and trust in the Information Society.

 
9) By providing a secure environment for communication, ensure that the use
of
information and communication services does not place vulnerable groups at
risk.     


 
10) Facilitate the important role played by the private sector and civil
society in
the development of diversified information and communication technologies,
networks
and services in the Information Society. Concurrently, acknowledge the
significant
role of governments in terms of creating stakeholder partnerships that
engender trust
and confidence, promote fair competition, and encourage innovative private
sector
investment and new initiatives, and promote global and regional cooperation,
while
protecting consumers and safeguarding public interests.

 
11) Promote strategies to assess and deal with the environmental impact of
ICTs.

 
12) Continue the ongoing spirit of cooperation and solidarity among the
countries of
the region.

 

2. Recognizing the unique features of the Information Society in the
Asia-Pacific
region 

      In building an Information Society for the Asia-Pacific region, we
should take
into account its unique features: 


    1) Geographic and demographic diversity: The region comprises the earth's
largest
land mass and vast ocean as well as many small islands. The region has over
65 per
cent of the world's population, including over 75 per cent of the world's
poor. Many
countries of the region have very low population densities spread over large
percentages of their areas. Many rural populations are also inaccessible, and
have
limited contact with other communities.

 
2) Cultural and linguistic diversity: This region enjoys a richness of
ancient and
modern cultures, including diverse languages, social traditions and customs.
Of the
more than 6,800 languages in the world, 3,500 (51 per cent) are spoken in
the
Asia-Pacific region, including languages without written scripts. 

 
3) Institutional stability: Generally speaking, the region is institutionally
stable.
Such stability will enable the region to attract more investors, including
innovators, entrepreneurs, operators, manufacturers and vendors in the field
of
ICTs.

 
4) Productive workforce: the region's economic growth depends on a large,
productive
workforce capable of fully utilizing ICTs. Given the strong integration of
the region
into the global economy, this would maintain and enhance the competitive
position of
its enterprises, leading to the growth of decent employment.

 
5) Gender issues: Unequal power relations and other social and cultural
aspects have
contributed to differential access, participation and status for men and
women in the
region. In this regard, more attention should be given to overcoming these
constraints and ensuring that women can equally benefit from the increased
use of
ICTs for empowerment and full participation in shaping political, economic
and social
development.

 
6) Disability issues: There are an estimated 400 million persons with
disabilities in
the Asia-Pacific region. The majority are poor and have been excluded from
the
benefits of ICT development due to the lack of appropriate or affordable
technology
for persons with disabilities. More effort, including implementation of
disability-concerned regional plans of action and programmes, should be made
to
ensure equitable access to ICTs for persons with disabilities. 

 
7) Youth issues: Youth forms the majority of the population in the
Asia-Pacific
region and is a force for socio-economic development. Equipping young people
with
knowledge and skills on ICTs to prepare them for full participation in the
Information Society is an important goal.

 
8) Digital divide disparities: In the region as a whole, there is a
noticeable
disparity in access to, and use of, the latest ICTs, including Internet
access and
broadband availability, between and within countries. It is recognized that
the
barriers to equitable access result from differences in education and
literacy
levels, gender, age, income and connectivity. In this context, particular
attention
should be given to least developed countries, economies in transition and
post-conflict countries.

 
9) Imbalance of information flows: While there is substantial internal
international
trade within the Asia-Pacific, North American and European regions, the same
cannot
be said for the flow of information between these regions. There is potential
for
growth in information flows between the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of
the
world, as well as between countries within the region.

 
10) Pioneering role in selected ICT areas: Within the region, some countries
have
been pioneering, inter alia, broadband, satellite and mobile
telecommunication
services, among others, which are having a significant impact on the way
people
communicate and on the delivery of government and business services. The
experience
gained by those countries in this field can be shared with others to promote
good
practice at local, national, regional and global levels.

 
11) Special circumstances of regional small island developing States: These
countries, vulnerable to environmental hazards, and characterized by small,
homogenous markets, high costs of access and equipment, human resource
constraints
exacerbated by the problem of "brain-drain", limited access to networks and
remote
locations, will require particular attention and tailored solutions to meet
their
needs.

 

3. Advancing the region's Information Society

      In order to promote the development and advancement of the Information
Society,
it is necessary to address many issues, within and across sectors, while
ensuring
that the essential platform of ICT infrastructure and services, standards
and
innovation is established. 


(1) Priority areas for action
a) Infrastructure development
      The development of the Information Society must be based on platforms
of
internationally interoperable technical standards, accessible for all, and
technological innovation of ICTs, as well as systems to promote the exchange
of
knowledge at global, regional and subregional levels through any media. In
this
regard, in addition to enhancing people's awareness of the advantages of
using ICTs,
reliable, advanced and appropriate, ICT technologies and services
infrastructure are
required. 
      As a sharp increase in the volume of international and regional
Internet
traffic is anticipated, it is important to strengthen regional and
international
broadband network infrastructure by using new technologies to enhance
network
efficiency and provide the capacity to match the needs of the countries in
the
region.
      Working towards open and flexible international and interoperable
standards is
an important issue for all countries so as to ensure that all can utilize
the
technology and associated content and services to their maximum potential.
Development and deployment of open-source software should be encouraged, as
appropriate, as should open standards for ICT networking.

b) Securing affordable, universal access to ICTs 
      In order to achieve affordable and universal access it is important to
enable
existing and new technologies to provide connectivity to all, in particular
through
institutions accessible to the public such as schools, libraries, post
offices and
multi-purpose community centres. Special attention should be paid to how ICTs
can
benefit the disadvantaged, through innovative initiatives.
      High-quality access, attainable through broadband, has great potential
to help
better deliver essential services required to meet basic human needs through
applications such as e-education and e-health, as well as e-business and
other ICT
applications. Also, new technologies, such as wireless and satellite networks
can
assist remote areas, including small island nations, to gain access to
information
and knowledge.


c) Preserving linguistic and cultural diversity and promoting local content
      Linguistic and cultural diversity enriches the development of society
by giving
expression to a range of different values and ideas. It can facilitate the
spread and
use of information by presenting it in the language and cultural context
most
familiar to the user, thereby further encouraging the use of ICTs.
      Promoting broadband networks in the Asia-Pacific region could not only
support
research, business and personal activities, but also help to preserve
cultural
diversity and indigenous knowledge and traditions. In this context, an effort
should
be made to support multilingual domain names, local content development,
digital
archives, diverse forms of digital media, content translation and adaptation.
The
development of standard and recognized character sets and language codes
should also
be supported.

d) Developing human resources
      In order for people to make the most of the Information Society, they
must have
enhanced levels of ICT literacy and ICT skills. To achieve this, relevant
education
and training should be promoted at every level, from primary to adult, to
open up
opportunities for as many people as possible, and especially for the
disadvantaged.
The capacity of developing and least developed countries to apply ICTs
effectively
must be enhanced through regional and international cooperation.
      ICTs can contribute to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning,
and the
sharing of knowledge and information. Teachers act as a gateway to the
Information
Society, and their skills development and curriculum resources need
increased
support.
      It is also important to improve both basic and advanced education in
science
and technology. This will help to create a critical mass of highly qualified
and
skilled ICT professionals and experts that will continue to serve as a
foundation for
the region's ICT development. It is recognized that education in network
infrastructure development and operation is of particular importance, and is
critical
to the availability of efficient, reliable, competitive and secure ICT
network
services.

e) Establishing legal, regulatory and policy frameworks
      The transition to the Information Society requires the creation of
appropriate
and transparent legal, regulatory and policy frameworks at the global,
regional and
national levels. These frameworks should give due regard to the rights and
obligations of all stakeholders in such areas as freedom of expression,
privacy,
security, management of Internet addresses and domain names, and consumer
protection,
while also maintaining economic incentives and ensuring trust and confidence
for
business activities. In order to secure prompt settlement of disputes,
alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) should be considered along with normal judicial
proceedings.

f) Ensuring balance between intellectual property rights (IPR) and public
interest
      While intellectual property rights play a vital role in fostering
innovation in
software, e-commerce and associated trade and investment, there is a need to
promote
initiatives to ensure fair balance between IPRs and the interests of the
users of
information, while also taking into consideration the global consensus
achieved on
IPR issues in multilateral organizations.
      Copyright holders and distributors of content should be cognizant of
the need
to ensure that content is accessible for all, including persons with
disabilities. In
this connection, access requirements should be included in legal, regulatory
and
policy frameworks, where appropriate. 

g) Ensuring the security of ICTs
      Among the challenges to the region are the general lack of awareness
of
information security issues, the rapidly evolving complexity, capacity and
reach of
information technology, the anonymity offered by these technologies, and the
transnational nature of communication frameworks. Recognizing the principle
of fair,
equitable and appropriate access to ICTs for all countries, special attention
should
be paid to the fact that ICTs can potentially be used for purposes that are
inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and
security,
and may adversely affect the integrity of the infrastructure within States,
to the
detriment of their security in both civil and military fields. A
multi-pronged
approach is needed to address these challenges, and cybercrime, on all
fronts, with
emphasis on preventive approaches, national guidelines and regional and
international
cooperation. At the same time, action to address cybercrime and to ensure a
safe and
secure Information Society must respect the sovereignty of nations and
maintain
respect for the constitutional and other rights of all persons, including
freedom of
expression.
      All stakeholders concerned with ICT issues should take the necessary
steps to
enhance security, user confidence and other aspects of information and
system/network
integrity in order to avoid the risk of wholesale disruption and destruction
of the
network systems on which they are increasingly dependent. 
      Effective information security could be guaranteed not only by
technology, but
also by education and training, policy and law, and international
cooperation. In the
long term, development of a "global culture of cybersecurity", based on a
common
understanding of regulations and appropriate mechanisms for information and
technology exchange and international cooperation, should be promoted. 

h) Fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources
      The private sector plays an important role in the development and
diffusion of
ICTs, while civil society, including NGOs, works closely with communities in
strengthening ICT-related initiatives. Increased cooperation and partnerships
are
needed between governmental and intergovernmental organizations, the private
sector
and civil society, for effective design and implementation of various
initiatives, by
giving priority to locally-available human resources. All stakeholders are
urged to
mobilize resources for the development of the Information Society, including
through
increasing investment in telecommunication infrastructure, human capacity
building,
policy frameworks and the development of culturally sensitive local content
and
applications. International and regional organizations, including financial
and
development institutions, have an important role to play in integrating the
use of
ICTs in the development process and making available the necessary resources
for this
purpose. 

(2) Cross-sectoral priority programmes and activities
      To make significant progress, all countries of the region will need to
mainstream ICTs, with special reference to gender, within their national and
regional
development strategies, and across all sectors.
      In this context, the following initiatives can support social and
economic
development, including the emergence of e-communities, while at the same
time
ensuring that traditional models are recognized and respected, so that the
non-users
of ICTs are not marginalized.

a) e-government
      ICT networks can offer better public services to citizens by more
efficient and
effective dissemination of information and delivery of essential government
services.
E-government can also generate a greater sense of community participation,
and
improve informed decision-making and development programme implementation.

b) e-business
      Through the application of ICT, businesses in all sectors can achieve
increased
productivity and profitability, reach wider markets, lower their transaction
costs
and control inventories more effectively. On the consumer side, ICTs can
bring to
consumers greater satisfaction through their interaction with many potential
suppliers, beyond the constraints of location. 

c) e-learning
      Access to education and knowledge is essential for economic, social
and
cultural development, and as a means of personal empowerment, community
development
and business efficiency. ICT networks have the potential to offer
unprecedented
educational opportunities to all groups in all areas of the Asia-Pacific
region.
Implementation of affordable and universal educational programmes, content,
broadband
networks and hardware should be promoted.

d) e-health
          Access to healthcare information and services is a basic right.
Many
countries lack adequate healthcare facilities and personnel, particularly in
rural
and remote areas. The use of ICTs promotes social inclusion of all members of
society
by enabling equitable access to healthcare services, as well as empowering
citizens
to better manage their own health and to participate more effectively in the
healthcare process.

e) Community information and communication centres
          Community information and communication centres are critical to
ensure
inclusive access to information and social services, particularly in rural
areas.


(3) National and regional e-strategies
      Comprehensive ICT strategies that have been endorsed at the highest
political
levels and that include clear goals need to be formulated at community,
national,
regional and global levels in order to create the Information Society. These
strategies will be encouraged to be designed and implemented through
collaboration
and participation of all stakeholders. In this regard, awareness of the vast
potential of the positive use of ICTs should be promoted among all concerned.



4. Conclusion
      This Declaration was adopted at the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific
Regional
Conference and will be submitted as the Asia-Pacific region's input to the
WSIS
process. Furthermore, the Conference recognizes the importance of the
declaration and
plan of action resulting from the WSIS process, taking into account
internationally
agreed goals, including those of the Millennium Declaration. 

Jan 15, 2003 

Asia Pacific Regional Conference on the World Summit on the Information
Society 
 Civil Society Observations and Response to the Tokyo Declaration (Final)
 
Preamble
     Civil society organizations have been fully committed to contributing to
the
promotion of information society particularly since the Prep Com I of the
United
Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) on July 1, 2002 in
Geneva.
      Despite the efforts to integrate different perspectives and views from
every
level of the region by most stakeholders throughout the preparation for WSIS,
some
government representatives have objected to the participation of the non
governmental
organizations in the drafting committee, which was formed to facilitate the
accomplishment of official output of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on
the
WSIS. This is an indication of their lack of trust towards the civil society
and has
undermined the reflection of multiple stakeholders¡¯ concerns.
Civil society believes that, however, efficiency, economic growth, and
productivity
should not be the only priority of the information society. Information
communication
technologies (ICTs), therefore, should be regarded as merely modern
instruments for
the pursuit of ultimate goals, which includes the promotion of sustainable
human
development, empowerment of the people and human values. These perspectives
have been diminished by the negotiations in the drafting committee of this
regional
conference.
To adequately present the points of view of the people, or civil society,
therefore,
we the undersigned organizations have proposed this paper to reflect the
grassroots
perspectives on the Tokyo Declaration for the promotion of comprehensive and
balanced
evolution of the information society. These voices of civil society are
inspired and
built upon the previous outputs of Asian non governmental organizations,
which are
respectively The Declaration of the Asian Civil Society Caucus at Prep Com I
in
Geneva, The World Summit on the Information Society: an Asian Response and
the Joint
Statement from Asia Civil Society Forum Participants on World Summit on the
Information Society.
The Asia Pacific Regional Conference on the WSIS was convened by the
Government of
Japan (Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and
Telecommunications and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs) on 13-15, January 2003. The event was held to
prepare
for the year-end World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva.   
Participants invited to the event include representatives of the government
of 37
countries and territories, 26 international organizations, 58 private sector
entities
and 199 non-governmental organizations. The event was originally designed to
provide
the forum for discussion for all stakeholders rather than exclusively
governments and
inter-governmental agencies so as to fully incorporate opinions from various
communities, including the grassroots voices in the region to guarantee
full-scale
evolution of the information society.

1.	Communication rights should be fully recognized as a fundamental and
universal
human right to be protected and promoted in the information society.
2.	The participation of civil society in the information society at all
levels should
be ensured and sustained, from policy planning to implementation, monitoring
and
evaluation. The information society should be regarded as a collaborative
effort of
civil society, governments, private sector and other stakeholders.
3.	Fundamental issues, such as poverty, democracy, gender justice,
environment, and the impact of globalization should be taken into account
apart from technological and economic evolution in the development of
information society.
4.	Special attention shall be given in the information society to
marginalized
groups, such as indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities, older
people,
those who lack access to formal education and refugees and migrants.
5.	In all discussion spaces on gender and ICT policies, the participation of
women
should be supported and promoted so as to realize women¡¯s full potential as
contributors and beneficiaries in building the information society
6.	Young people, the first Asia-Pacific generation growing up with the
internet, need support in adapting to changes in education, employment and
participation within
society. At the same time, especially in our region, youth are at the
forefront of
technological development and adoption--their expertise and energy can assist
in
bridging the digital divide.
7.	Transparency and accountability of the government should be enhanced in
the
formation of the information society.
8.	Government must ensure that market competition is fair and that monopolies
are not perpetuated.
9.	While government should promote and facilitate infrastructure building,
provide
training, and create an enabling environment for ICT to be accessible for
all, it should not be the regulator of information flow and content.
10.	National compulsory projects utilizing ICTs, such as electronic national
ID card
initiatives and electronic health care card initiatives, should be prudently
assessed
with the consideration of privacy issues and government surveillance issues
before
the implementation.
11.	Traditional and newer technologies should be used in parallel to promote
equitable access to information at all levels of the information society.
12.	Technological progress based on community needs, with emphasis on local
content to preserve cultural and linguistic diversity, should be promoted. 
13.	Privacy and personal security should be ensured in the information
society when promoting ICTs. Values of human rights, democracy and freedom of
expression should never be threatened by any kind of surveillance and
censorship. 
14.	Community based media should be supported and promoted. People¡¯s
equitable and affordable access to information should be assured in the
information society.
15.	Civil society acknowledges its role as a major content provider in the
information society. The civil society should also be active in the promotion
of
public awareness on the quality of content.
16.	In the protection of intellectual property rights, priority should be
given to
cultural and human development instead of mere economic profit. It should not
deter
the free and balanced flow of ideas and innovations. Public domains,
including open
source technologies, should be promoted by all stakeholders in information
society.
17.	We recognize that safeguarding the environmental resources is central to
achieving a healthy networked community for all. Life cycle management in
the
production flow of ICT related goods must be promoted and implemented by the
global
ICT sector. Also, special attention should be given to people who are living
in small
islands under the endangered environment by hazards or global warming. 
The following civil society organizations which endorse this document, hereby
request
the governments in the region to take into account the above principles and
recommendations in their decisions and implementation of policies, in
relation to
information society development.