WSIS - the next stage

Despite many criticisms, most particularly in respect of internet governance, the Tunis Meeting of the WSIS did produce laudable declarations, and at least a road map for implementation. Key parts of this are the Golden Book and the Stockpiling exercise. Also, just announced is a meeting of the main relevant UN agencies in February 2006 to assess progress.

Although, unlike at Geneva, there is not much reference to IP specifically, the entire focus relates to delivery of access to information - one of the points of intersection of IP, competition and human rights. This is borne out by references in Tunis documents to freedom of expression, rights to education, and facilitation of technology transfer outwith the market process. Such practical initiatives at least can be a key complement to academic debate about the three doctrines - we watch with interest.