Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 15:11:13 -0700 From: Joann C JoselynSubject: ICSU Call for on-line discussion The following message was received at the IUGG Secretariat on 23 Jan. 2003. Additional information will be forthcoming, and action is requested in February. Please forward this opportunity to those who may be interested so that wide participation by IUGG scientists might be possible. Sincerely, Jo Ann Joselyn IUGG Secretary General IMPORTANT: Notification of an ICSU/CODATA on-line discussion forum on Science and the Information Society, Feb 10th-28th In order to consult its members and associated bodies/organizations, as well as the wider international scientific and technological community, ICSU in association with CODATA (COmmittee on DATA for Science and Technology) will be hosting an on-line forum to develop its main in-put to the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which takes place in Geneva in December. This forum will be launched on 10th February on the ICSU web-site (www.icsu.org) and continue until 28th February. It will be structured under four themes: 1. Scientific information for decision making and better governance; 2. Ensuring universal access to scientific knowledge internationally, including overcoming the 'digital divide' 3. Scientific data and information as a global public good; 4. Using scientific data and information to improve all levels of education and training. Brief introductory papers are currently being prepared on these themes and will be posted on the web-site, when the forum is launched. ICSU's role in relation to the WSIS is to try and represent the international scientific community; highlighting the contribution of science to the information society and ensuring that the interests of scientists are properly protected. This is a challenging task and it is crucial that we have as much constructive in-put as possible from the scientific community in developing our messages to the Governments and other stakeholders who will be represented at the WSIS. I would therefore strongly encourage you to try and ensure that your own organization contributes to the on-line forum and that it is advertised proactively to any interested parties or individuals that you can identify. You might also consider using your own web-site to advertise and link to the forum. Participation in the forum will be open to anyone, following a simple registration procedure. You will receive a further message once the forum is online. Yours sincerely, -- Mustapha MOKRANE IT Officer/Network/Webmaster International Council for Science Tel : 01.45.25.67.17 Fax : 01.42.88.94.31 Web : www.icsu.org