[WSIS CS-Plenary] UN CSTD 2006: proposing a new agenda item on WSIS follow-up

--- Mensaje Adjunto ---

 Dear all,

Further to the consultation of the UN CSTD reform, held in Geneva on 13
February, we would like to have some inputs from you on the opportunity to
propose an additional item in the agenda of the next CSTD session, to better
focus on WSIS outcomes. Such an additional agenda item could directly focus
on the follow-up to WSIS.

ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 provides that NGOs in general consultative
relationship can propose items for the provisional agenda of substantive
ECOSOC commissions, such as the UN CSTD. There are other ways to include an
item to the agenda of a Commission, but this one is the only right of
initiative coming from the NGO side.

For your information, note that resolution 1996/31 also requires that the UN
SG must be informed at least 63 days (not after 12 March) before the
commencement of the session (to allow him to make comments), and that the
proposal must be formally submitted with the relevant basic documentation
not later than 49 days before the commencement of the session. The item will
be included if it is adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and
voting.

Therefore we would like to know:

- Would WSIS civil society like to see WSIS follow-up directly
addressed by the Commission by this year?

- CONGO is willing to do so if there is a strong support on your
side. Are there other NGOs (in general consultative status) willing to
submit such a proposal?

Of course we will also discuss this with UNCTAD (CSTD Secretariat) early
next week.

Please send your comments over the week-end at wsis@ngocongo.org.

We at CONGO are also working of interim arrangements for participation of
WSIS accredited NGOs without the ECOSOC consultative status in the next CSTD
sessions. You will be informed soon of the actual possibilities and
processes in this regard.

Best,

Philippe Dam
CONGO - WSIS CS Secretariat
11, Avenue de la Paix
CH-1202 Geneva
Tel: +41 22 301 1000
Fax: +41 22 301 2000
E-mail: <mailto:wsis@ngocongo.org> wsis@ngocongo.org
Website: <BLOCKED::http://www.ngocongo.org> www.ngocongo.org

The Conference of NGOs (CONGO) is an international, membership association
that facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations debates and
decisions. Founded in 1948, CONGO's major objective is to ensure the
presence of NGOs in exchanges among the world's governments and United
Nations agencies on issues of global concern. For more information see our
website at <BLOCKED::http://www.ngocongo.org/> www.ngocongo.org

 
Received on Fri, 3 Mar 2006 10:55:36 +0100