CONNECTing the Dots: Options for Future Action

UNESCO has undertaken a consultative study on Internet-issues that will be discussed at this multi-stakeholder conference on 3-4 March 2015 in Paris. The study draws on 30 questions on Internet-related issues in the four areas of access to information and knowledge, freedom of expression, privacy, and ethical dimensions of the information society. The questions also explore the intersections between these areas and options for future UNESCO action in these fields.

This comprehensive Internet-related study was mandated by UNESCO’s 195 Member States through Resolution 52 of the Organization’s 37th General Conference Resolution in November 2013. The questions and design of the study have been elaborated through a five-month multi-stakeholder consultation process with civil society, academia, the private sector, the technical community, inter-governmental organizations and UNESCO’s Member States. In addition to written submissions from a range of stakeholders, consultation events were held in a dozen global fora, including the World Press Freedom Day International Conference, the Stockholm Internet Freedom Forum, the Freedom Online Coalition Meeting, and the WSIS+10 High Level Review Event.

A civil society side meeting will take place on the preceding day, 2 March 2015, focusing on the WSIS plus 10 process, for which UNESCO are keen for their study to be an input. Its objective is to produce a civil society strategy for what we want from the process.