Nepal’s Position in WSIS10 for 2015

WSIS 10 is an intergovernmental preparatory process of discussion on various issues of concerns adapting and evolving the internet Governance process in every aspect of safeguarding the use and role of internet.  The scope of the review process is so broad that at this stage it incorporates issues to the table, from cyber security to human rights to public access to ICTs.

The WSIS also highlights the representatives of all relevant WSIS stakeholders to speak during the high-level meeting as forwarded by the president of the General Assembly.

Nepal needs to have a clear position in regards to the WSIS10 process where effective research and survey regarding the ICT sector needs to be done. It is not merely just a conference as the major understanding in the WSIS  10 can result in major policy making process, so Nepal needs to do its part of preparation in regards to the meeting. Though from government side Nepal has not been able to initiate any review process but with limited resources and approach Nepal would lobby the G22 proposal which to some extent showcases its limitation. Nepal is a growing economy where its independence may not be strong in caparison to its neighbors but balancing and coping their technologies and growth is certainly yet another part that directly a part of concern.

Issues to be raised by Nepal

1. With the concept of reducing the digital divide affordable reliable technologies are to be processed for strengthening the access, rights and prices of internet. The process should further identify solution to make the technology cheaper in recognition of support towards the new SDG’s identifying relevant sectors and objectives.
2. Global fund to be established to help the underdeveloped countries in terms of their campaigns and other IG process.
3. To focus on open WSIS process so that under developed countries can have their voices heard and would not be shadowed in presence of the developed countries
4. Integrating the new SDGs in terms of achieving the use of internet in various sectors and identifying internet as a tool of development for fighting poverty and further promoting development in the region
5. Adapting to the various concept of Standardization in terms of Human rights, cyber security and equality giving equally rights to individuals all over the world
6. Integration of internet technology in terms of climate change and other social aspect of human evolution and further giving preference to Multistakeholderism with bottoms up approach
7. Creating common understanding of international projects working and focused towards capacity building, human development and awareness process
8. Setting international standards for topics like Cyber terrorism and Cyber warfare in safeguarding the interest of the public
9. Adopting best practices among countries with common interests within geographical regions.

Current Challenges of Nepal in Terms of WSIS 10 Process and its achievement 

• Lack infrastructure
• Lack of proper policy
• Lack of IG literacy
• Lack of Ownership in terms of different sectors and catering its needs in terms of policy and other mechanism and protocols
• Lack of research and survey
• Publication of relevant data’s and statistics
• Lack of core values of internet

Recommendation

1. Proper integration of international charter and policies
2. Proper awareness campaign and capacity building programs
3. Proper strategy of infrastructure
4. Adoption of multistakeholder concept