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It is indeed a pleasure for Egypt to host the WSIS Second Pan-Arab Preparatory Conference, with the distinguished participation of African ICT Ministers and delegates, representatives of esteemed international organizations and world renowned ICT experts.
The WSIS process is not merely a time when delegations from all over the world get together; it is by all means an historic opportunity that marks a high degree of international understanding and communication. We are very proud that the second phase of the WSIS is being hosted in an Arab and African country, Tunis. Egypt is committing its full support to Tunis to help make this important event a success. Egypt is particularly proud to host the Pan-Arab Conference on WSIS Phase II and to facilitate the Arab and African dialogue with the international ICT community. I welcome you all to Egypt.
During the conference we will be addressing key issues such as Internet Governance, Funding Mechanisms, Partnerships for Development, Local E-content, and Meaningful ICT Indicators. We consider this conference an important milestone in the preparatory process for the WSIS. The issues before the Summit are grave, and will have an impact on our ability to realize the information society for the benefit of our citizens. Articulating our concerns, debating our options and harmonizing our positions are very important outcomes of this conference that support our efforts to participate in shaping the global ICT agenda. We shall build on earlier efforts within the framework of the WSIS and consider the developments that have taken place in our respective countries and regions since phase I of the WSIS process. This is an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, exchange best practices and join forces to meet new challenges.
Since WSIS Phase I in December 2003, where H.E. President Hosni Mubarak announced Egypt's Information Society Initiative, Egypt has taken further strides to realize the information society. The cabinet that took office in July 2004 is intent on harnessing ICT for socio-economic development, fostering innovation and job creation. Deregulation, public private partnerships, active involvement of civil society, an enabling legal and regulatory environment and openness to the world, are main pillars of our national action plan.
Phase II of the WSIS is action oriented. Accordingly, our effort should focus on non-traditional solutions, stimulating creativity and bravely breaking new frontiers. In this respect, Egypt is actively engaged and committed. We are offering concrete experiences and conceptual contributions to the international debates. Our experience in using the debt for development swap mechanism, e-access initiatives (PC for Every Home, Free Internet, Broadband), e-signature law, Arabic e-content initiative, and adapting indicators to our needs are documented to be shared. We are also eager to learn from you.
I sincerely hope that you are as excited to actively participate in this event as we are eager to welcome you. Please be assured that we will exert every effort to make your stay in Egypt as fruitful and memorable as possible.
Let us join forces to realize our dreams and leverage the manifold talents evident in our people; our foremost capital. I invite you to enjoy Egypt, and to witness firsthand the glorious sites and more importantly, the warmth of the Egyptians.
I look forward to welcoming you personally in Cairo in May.
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