Address by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
President of the Republic of Tunisia
at the closing session of the First Phase of the World Summit
on the Information Society

(Delivered on his behalf by Mr. Habib Ben Yahia,
Minister of Foreign Affairs )

(Geneva - December 12, 2003)

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate,


Mr. Chairman,
Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my distinct pleasure, at the closing of the proceedings of the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, to express my great satisfaction as to the results that have been achieved thanks to the joined efforts exerted by all parties.

I also would like to commend the important role assumed by the United Nations Organization and by the International Telecommunication Union to harmonize visions concerning numerous themes addressed during this important international event. We consider that this meeting has constituted a first step on the path of establishing an international information society that is balanced and built on solidarity.

Seen from this perspective, the challenges posed by the development of the information and communication technologies sector in our contemporary world require us to adopt a wise approach, to exert joint efforts so as to pursue action for the achievement of the objectives we have set since the call we made in 1998 for the holding of this Summit, and to make optimum use of this sector for the stimulation of the development pace especially in less developed countries.

Mr. Chairman,

The documents emanating from the first phase of our Summit constitute an important accomplishment that has earned the international community's satisfaction. For they consecrate our determination to further anchor the principles of strategic partnership based on solidarity, in the comprehensive sense, between developed countries and developing ones. Indeed, the digital culture has, in our age, become an essential factor for the rapprochement of peoples and their diverse cultures, for the reinforcement of the chances for peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and constructive dialogue, as part of a mutual respect of the specificities of each identity and a commitment to universal values and principles, and for the consolidation of the foundations of peace and security in the world.

This requires stepping up international efforts to enhance the pace of investment in knowledge, and to encourage technological innovation and scientific research in those countries, in order to allow them to promote their human capacities and ensure their proficient and adequate use of new technologies.

Tunisia, which will host the second phase of this Summit, is fully aware of the importance of the challenges facing us, and is determined to spare no effort to ensure the success of the 2005 meeting, with the contribution of the United Nations Organization and the International Telecommunication Union.

During the preparatory process for the Tunis Summit, we will endeavor to make best use of the experience we have acquired and to intensify and lay more focus on consultation among all the concerned parties, for it is the only path that can lead us to achieve consensus on the themes included in the agenda. We are certain that the awareness and wisdom of all parties will help us achieve our objectives.

I also would like to lay particular emphasis on the role that we hope will be assumed by the components of civil society and the representatives of the private sector, so that they contribute, with their customary sense of initiative and creativity, to coordinating and unifying efforts with governmental parties during the preparation of the Tunis Summit.
We will do our utmost to facilitate the tasks of all these parties and ensure the success of their endeavors, relying, in this regard, on the support of the governments of sisterly and friendly countries, and on the assistance of the UN specialized organizations and bodies.
While reiterating my invitation to the Summit meeting in Tunis to all parties : states, governments, international and regional organizations, civil society and the private sector, I hope that the Tunis meeting will constitute a historic landmark materializing our aspirations for progress and welfare for all humanity.

To conclude, I would like to express to the Swiss Confederation and to its President Mr. Pascal Couchepin my most sincere congratulations and gratitude for having provided the best of conditions for our proceedings.

Thank you for your attention.