WITSA PROGRESS & ACTIVITY REPORTJanuary-July/July/August 2015

Updated information in BLUE-JuneRED-July

GREEN-August

V 1 July 2015V2 July 2015

V3 August 2015

Prepared For: WITSA

Prepared By: Dr Jim PoisantSecretary General

WITSA

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPROGRESS & ACTIVITY REPORT

Purpose of Report

UN AgenciesUN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD)UN Global CompactUN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG)UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)International Trade Center (ITC)International Telecommunications Union (ITU)UN World Health Organization (WHO)UN World Summit Youth AwardsUNODC Vienna International Centre, Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch Division for Treaty Affairs_____________________________________________________________________________________International OrganizationsAPACNetMundial Initiative CouncilWorld Economic Forum (WEF) New York City & GenevaOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)/BIAC______________________________________________________________________________Financial InstitutionsThe World BankInter American Development Bank______________________________________________________________________________

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WITSA WITSA’s World Congress on ITWITSA Committees Global Policy Action CommitteeFinanceAuditGlobal TradeEducation

World Congress on ITHost Calls/MeetingsHosting Agreement Status

WITSA Meetings 2015January-May June /JulyAugust/SeptemberOctober/NovemberDecember

OtherOpen Entry

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PROGRESS & ACTIVITY REPORTJanuary 1-August 31, 2015

Purpose of ReportThe main purpose of this report is to provide the WITSA Board of Directors as well as all WITSA members with a snap shot of WITSA’s activities and progress. The report is not meant to be inclusive of all WITSA activities but sufficient to provide those members who may be interest a fairly good view of the inner workings of the WITSA organization. Comments and recommendations are always welcome. Please send to Jim Poisant at jpoisant @witsa.org.

International Organizations

Introduction: In order to be recognized as the global voice of the ICT industry it is necessary for WITSA to have established relationships with key internationally recognized organizations and institutions. These organizations are vital to WITSA’s branding efforts, messaging and vision as well as WITSA policy positions as they promote the expanded use of ICT’s around the globe.

UN Agencies

UN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) - UNCTAD, which is governed by its 194 member States, is the United Nations body responsible for dealing with development issues, particularly international trade – the main driver of development.

MOU signed between UNCTAD Secretary General Kituyi and WITSA Chairman Gutierrez signed this landmark agreement in Geneva, Switzerland at the United nations Building on March 24, 2015

WITSA hosted a reception for 100 people after the signing reinforcing WITSA’s brand. SG Poisant met Ms Christiane Stepanek-Allen, Chief, Information & Outreach

Office of the Secretary General, to discuss communications and marketing between WITSA and UNCTAD.

Secretary General Poisant (Herein referred to as Secretary General or SG) is scheduled to participate in UNCTAD’s Session at WSIS event May 27th, in Geneva as a follow up to the MOU; working in cooperation with each other.

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Torbjorn Frederickson, UNCTAD is scheduled to participate in WITSA’s WCIT 2016 in Brasilia, Brasil.

WITSA’s SG met with Mr Torbjorn Fredericksson on May 26 and May 27th in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss an opportunity to work with UNCTAD to develop and deliver training programs in order to establish ICT associations in developing countries. Mr Frederickson had met with the Swedish Development Co-operation Agency (Sida), regarding interest and funding.It should be noted that WITSA worked under a USAID grant in the late 1990’s to perform the same service. Mr Allen Miller (WITSA Executive Director) conducted the work.WITSA’s SG fully endorsed reengaging in this work with UNCTAD. The next step is for Torbjorn (UNCTAD) to submit a short paper expressing WITSA’s as well as UNCTAD’s willingness to perform this function. On May 27th the SG participated in UNCTAD’s E Business Session at the WSIS conference where he was asked to make comments to the session participants. On July 13th SG Poisant working with T Fredericksson wrote an invitation to SG Kituyi to speak at the WCIT 2016 as the opening speaker. (pending)Secretary Kituyi received and invitation to speak at the WCIT 2016.Mr Torbjorn Fredericksson accepted an invitation to moderate a WCIT 2016 session and accepted the invitation. ______________________________________________________________________________UN Global Compact “The Global Compact asks companies to embrace universal principles and to partner with the United Nations. It has grown to become a critical platform for the UN to engage effectively with enlightened global business.” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

WITSA joined the Global Compact in 2014 (Associations representing Business category of Membership)

WITSA members are encouraged to review the Global Compact meeting schedule to determine if there is an interest in attending any of their meetings. Please coordinate w Jim Poisant jpoisant@witsa.org if you wish to attend.

Global Compact+15: Business as a Force for Good

23 - 25 June 2015New York Marking the UN Global Compact’s 15th anniversary, Global Compact +15 will bring

business and civil society to the United Nations to show how the private sector is taking action and partnering to advance societal priorities, with an emphasis on the United Nations

global agenda for sustainable development to be released later this year (the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs).

Who: 500 participants from Global Compact Local Networks, companies, investors, academia, civil society, labor and UN private sector representatives.

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June 5, 2015-SG Poisant wrote to Nizar Zakka-“Nizar-I joined the Compact on WITSA’s behalf a few months ago so I have not had an opportunity to participate in their activities.  If you represent WITSA go on the site my user name is: jpoisant and password is xxxxx.  I would very much like to attend the meeting this month but will be in Brasil.  I would hope that you will be able to register using my log on information. Please let me know.ThxJimAs of July 1st the SG is not aware of Mr Zakka attending this meeting.As a result of the GC meeting

At Global Compact+15, Companies Send Clear Message: More Businesses Need to Take Responsibility for Achieving a Better World

The Global Compact’s 15th anniversary event – Global Compact+15 – was held over three days at UN Headquarters in New York (23-25 June). On the final day, over 1,000 participants, including top CEOs and high-level Government representatives, met in the historic UN General Assembly Hall. The General Assembly President and the Secretary-General opened the session, which aimed to review progress made through the global corporate sustainability movement and show the potential for responsible business to help advance sustainable development moving forward. With the anticipated launch of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September, corporate leaders shared how businesses are operating and innovating in ways that support societal priorities, and also emphasized the need for Governments to enable and incentivize corporate sustainability.

On Jul 8th SG Poisant wrote to the compact: To Whom It May Concern:I am inquiring as to how I might receive an invitation to the September meeting.  I represent the World Information Technology & Services Alliance (WITSA).  WITSA is a member of the Compact. (September 26th, NYC)I look forward to hearing from you soon.Thank you.August 4th-See attached Report _____________________________________________________________________Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development.

Sergey Martynov, the former US Ambassador from Belarus and WITSA Advisory Council members suggested that WITSA become a member of ESCSOC with consultative status.

Application for Consultative Status Pending-Consultative status provides NGOs with access to not only ECOSOC, but also to its many subsidiary bodies, to the various human rights mechanisms of the United Nations, as well as special events organized by the President of the General Assembly.

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The completed application was submitted to ECOSOC on May 26, 2015 by Anders Halvorsen, WITSA’s Vice President for Administration. The status of application is pending. On May 26th in Geneva, SG Poisant was approached by Mr. Slava Cherkasov, the Senior Governance and Public Administration Officer for the United Nations Department of Economic & Social Affairs (UNDESA) regarding WITSA’s application to ECOSCO. Mr. Cherkasov was very aware of WITSA and the status of our application. He mentioned that he was personally involved in the matter and assured Dr Poisant that all consideration was being given to the application. cherkasov@un.org (212) 963-5097June 11, 2015- SG Poisant wrote to the UN-Dear Slava, I have a quick question for you. Do you happen to know how long it takes ECOSOC to review and approve applications?Thx/JimSlava Response: June 17th Dear Jim, Apology for delay as I was away from the office. I’m not sure that ECOSOC is going to review yr application. It will be done by the respective UN secretariat office to which one u did submit yr application. the office is expected to recommend  to ECOSOC to accept or not the application. best, slavaAs of June 30th WITSA has not been notified as to the status of our application.July 1st SG Poisant asked A. Halvorsen to see when WITSA would learn of our membership acceptance or rejection from ECOSOC. Here is his response: Jim,Further to our discussion today, I found the following relevant information at http://csonet.org/?menu=83:

Completed applications must be received by June 1st of the year before the NGO wishes to be considered for recommendation by the Committee. For example, complete applications (which include a completed questionnaire and all the required supporting documentation) submitted to the NGO Branch by 1 June 2015 will be taken up by the Committee on NGOs in the year 2016. Applications received between 2 June 2015 and 1 June 2016 will be taken up in the year 2017.

Therefore, it appears no decision is expected until 2016. Thanks, AndersSo it appears that WITSA will not learn if it is member until early 2016. No Change in August 2015-WITSA must wait until the UN General Assembly meeting to take place.___________________________________________________________________________Internet Governance Forum (IGF)-The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors.  At their annual meeting delegates discuss, exchange information and share good practices with each other. The IGF facilitates a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges that arise.

Workshop proposal currently under consideration by the MAG.

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As of June 2, 2015 WITSA received notice that its proposal for a workshop was denied.

SG Poisant will be registering for the IGF conference in Joao Pessoa, Brasil from November 10-13th as soon as registration opens.

As of August 4th registration was still not available. Due to the cost of air travel and the extended time of travel SG Poisant will not attend this meeting.________________________________________________________________________

Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) WITSA members Silvia Bidart and Hossam Elgamal were appointed as members to this

prestigious organization. - Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) member represents a multi-stakeholder group (i.e. civil society, academia, technical community, Government, and private sector) which is recognized by IGF, affiliated with IGF work, and/or is accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC.

No updates in June On July 29 SG Poisant wrote to Silvia Bidart to inquire if there were any updates

for the month of July. As of August 31st no response from Silvia.

_______________________________________________________________________UNESCO- In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. UNESCO strives to build networks among nations that enable this kind of solidarity, by:

Mobilizing for education: so that every child, boy or girl, has access to quality education as a fundamental human right and as a prerequisite for human development.

Building intercultural understanding: through protection of heritage and support for cultural diversity. UNESCO created the idea of World Heritage to protect sites of outstanding universal value.

Pursuing scientific cooperation: such as early warning systems for tsunamis or trans-boundary water management agreements, to strengthen ties between nations and societies.

Protecting freedom of expression: an essential condition for democracy, development and human dignity.

On May 27, 2015 SG Poisant met Mr Cedric Wachholtz, Program Specialist UNESCO, Paris, France in Geneva at the WSIS Forum. Cedric was involved in inviting WITSA to participate in a conference in Paris, France in March 2015. Chandrasekhar participated in the conference on behalf of WITSA. WITSA’s SG discussed WITSA’s potential involvement in UNESCO. WITSA being a consortium of associations presented a new type of membership to UNESCO according to Cedric. It was determined that further dialogue between WITSA and UNESCO needed to take place before a role for WITSA could be established. T-33 (0) 14568476

No updates in July.

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No updates in August.______________________________________________________________________________

International Trade Center (ITC) - The joint mandate of the UN and the WTO As the joint agency of the United Nations and the WTO, ITC is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of SMEs. Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development. - See more at: http://www.intracen.org/itc/about/how-itc-works/#sthash.v6GECYQ9.dpuf

March 24, 2015, Chairman Gutierrez and Secretary General Poisant met with Andrea Santoni a representative from the ITC in Geneva to discuss offering WITSA a business benching marking tool. Tool is presently under review.

WITSA’s Secretary General will meet with ITC again in Geneva during the week of May 24th.

SG Poisant met with Martin Labbe and Andrea Santoni at the International Trade Center headquarters in Geneva on May 26th to discuss the ITC’s business bench marketing tool that the ITC developed to assess the general governance and operations of businesses/associations.

Note: As mentioned, Mr Andrea Santoni met with Chairman Guitierez and SG Poisant in March of 2015 in Geneva to offer the tool at no cost to WITSA and its members. SG Poisant tested to tool and had problems navigating through it. Since that time a revised version had been created.

On May 31st SG Poisant evaluated the revised tool and provided written feedback to the ITC. Assuming the ITC makes suggested changes, Dr Poisant will make it available to a random sample of WITSA members to gather additional feedback on the applicability of the tool for all WITSA members. Once this occurs and the ITC makes applicable changes the tool will become available to all WITSA members.

SG Poisant met James Howe Principle Counselor, Marketing, Branding, Competitive Enterprises, International Trade Center-howe@intracen.org t 4122730 0645/m 4179179 3181. SG participated in an Ecommerce Session hosted by UNCTAD on May 28, 2015 in Geneva; WITSA is engaged with the ITC evaluating a business benchmarking tool.

May 31, 2015 and June 10th SG wrote Gentlemen-Looking forward to hearing from you soon. June 16th Martin informed SG Poisant he would get back to him in a week. No response

On July 29, 2015 SG Poisant emailed Martin and asked if there was any news.August- During the month of August several emails were written between WITSA and the ITC regarding the assessment tool. The last one from SG Poisant suggesting that the ITC offer its existing tool to all WITSA members at no cost. If WITSA members show interest in further work being conducted by the ITC it was

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further discussed that the ITC could invest in a special tool ONLY for ICT associations.

________________________________________________________________________International Telecommunications Union-(ITU) Geneva -ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. The ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. ITU membership is unique among UN agencies in having both public and private sector membership. So in addition to ITU’s 193 Member States, ITU membership includes ICT regulators, leading academic institutions and some 700 private companies.

March 25, 2015-Chairman Gutierrez/Secretary General Poisant met with the head of Strategic Planning and staff to discuss ITU’s future plans.

May 2015, WITSA’s Secretary General to follow up with meeting (Invitation ONLY Breakfast) with the ITU’s Secretary General.

SG Poisant met Sec Gen Houlin Zhao in Geneva on May 26, 2015 at the WSIS Conference.

SG attended an (Invitation ONLY) breakfast with Sec Gen Houlin Zhao on May 27, 2015 in Geneva.

SG Poisant attended two separate meetings where SG Houlin Zhao took part. SG Poisant was introduced to SG Zhao and received a warm welcome from him. He was aware of WITSA and expressed a desire to work together.

SG Poisant met with a team from the ITU led by Mr Tomas Lamanauskas, ITU’s head of Strategic Planning. The meeting revolved around a potential relationship between the ITU & WITSA. Mr Lamanauskas committed to propose such a relationship in a follow-up proposal.

As a direct result of these meetings the ITU sent SG Poisant an offer for WITSA members to submit speakers for the World Telecom Conference hosted by the ITU in Budapest, Hungary in October 2015.

SG Poisant also met with Christopher Clark, Head Sector membership for the ITU. It was agreed that we would get back on touch once Tomas Lamanauskas contact Dr Poisant regarding a future potential relationship.

June 11, Tomas congratulations on the WSIS conference. Great job! It was a pleasure to see you again. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, Jim

July 22, 2015-SG Poisant contacted Tomas LamanauskasHello Tomas-I trust you are having a nice summer in beautiful Geneva. I wanted to reach out to you to see if you have given more thought to how we might work together? How is your Budapest meeting going? I look forward to hearing from you soon.Best regards, JimNo response as of the end of July.

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On August 19th SG Poisant spoke to Tomas Lamanauskas. Tomas invited him to speak at the upcoming ITU Telcom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary http://telecomworld.itu.int/ from Oct 12-15th. Mr Lamanauskas offered Dr Poisant agreed a number of speaking opportunities during the conference. SG Poisant accepted the invitation in order to enhance WITSA’s relationship with the ITU. The SG of the ITU wrote an invitation letter for SG Poisant to participate in the program on October 12th in session called: “Challenges to make innovation work for social impact. Poisant accepted the invitation._______________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization-The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It provides leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. The U.S. Government is a contributor to the WHO.

WITSA’s Secretary General is attempting to arrange a meeting in Geneva with Dr Najeeb Al-Shorbaji (shorbaji@who.int) World Health Organization to discuss possible WITSA relationship.

No update as Dr Najeeb Al-Shorbaji was unavailable to meet during the week of May 24th.June 8, 2015-SG Poisant sent a follow up request to suggest a Skype call with Dr Najeeb Al-Shorbaji.After not hearing back from Dr Al-Shorbaji SG Poisant wrote to UNCTAD.June 11, 2015-SG Poisant wrote: Hello Torbjorn, Unfortunately, I have not heard back from Dr Najeeb Al-Shorbaji after twice writing to him. Is there someone else at the WHO that you could recommend that I could contact?June 11, Torbjorn suggested another person:Dr Joan Dzenowagis eHealth Unit World Health Organization 20 Ave Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland tel. +41 (22) 791-2504 /cell +41 (79) 217-3469 SG Poisant wrote to her on June 11th: Dear Ms Dzenowagis: She retuned my email and we are setting up a call in JulyPlease allow me to induce myself.  My name is Jim Poisant and I serve as the Secretary General of the World Information Technology & Services Alliance, (WITSA).  If you are not familiar with WITSA it is a consortium of leading ICT Associations with members in 82 countries representing over 90% of the ICT Industry.  Torbjorn Fredriksson (UNCTAD) was kind enough to provide me with your name as a possible contact to discuss a potential relationship between our two organizations.    Will you be available for a short call next week?  If so, please let me know. www.witsa.org I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Call Scheduled for August 3, 2015-call took place-Excellent call. Ms D agreed to participate in the WCIT 2016 and moderate the health care session. SG Poisant sent her the MOU with UNCTAD as she expressed a desire to enter into an agreement with WITSA. She was going on vacation for the month of August so we do not expect to hear back from her this month.

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World Summit Youth Awards-Located at the International Centre for New Media, Leopoldskronstraße 30   |   AT - 5020 SalzburgThe World Summit Award (WSA) is the global follow-up initiative of the United Nations World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) organized by the International Center for New Media (ICNM), Salzburg, Austria. It partners with the key UN organizations and agencies in the framework of the UN Geneva Agenda and the Tunis Action Plan and selects and promotes the world's best e-Content and innovative ICT applications; to date more than 160 countries are actively involved. The WSA seeks Best Content Solutions in the following areas:

e-Business and Commerce /e-Media & Journalism/e-Learning & Science e-Government & Open Data /e-Culture & Tourism/e-Entertainment & Games e-Health & Environment /e-Inclusion & Empowerment/e-Government & Open Data e-Culture & Tourism /e-Entertainment & Games/e-Health & Environment e-Inclusion & Empowerment

WITSA’s Secretary General has participated as a speaker and award granter in Dubai, Montreal, and Austria. This organization offers WITSA a firsthand opportunity to involve the world’s youth within WITSA’s agenda.

On May 24 and May 25th -World Summit Youth Awards meetings to took place in Geneva to discuss youth inclusion in WITSA, WCIT events. SG Poisant met with Nora Wolloch, Project Manager, World Summit Awards and Dr Peter Bruck, President. The WSA is expected to send Dr Poisant a proposal regarding a formal relationship between the two organizations as applicable to WITSA’s WCIT congresses. Dear Jim,June 8, 2015 SG Poisant waiting to hear back from Nora Walloch regarding potential sponsorship package.Received proposal July 1, 2015SG Poisant had a conference call with Nora Walloch regarding WCIT 2016. It was agreed that the WYSA would need to get sponsors to pay all expenses for youth winners and that WCIT 2016 would not lose money in the deal. A formal proposal is expected from the Youth organization by the end of July 2015. A proposal was received from the WYSA by SG Poisant. It was sent to the Brasil project team for consideration.No Change in August____________________________________________________________________________________

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Chief, Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch Division for Treaty Affairs  UNODC, Vienna International Centre,P.O. Box 500, A-1400, Vienna, Austria -Tel. + 43-1-26060-4272 Emai: Loide.Lungameni@unodc.org-Website: www.unodc.orgUN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Many thanks for sharing the MOU with us. I will consult with colleagues and let you know of the collective decision regarding possible collaboration between UNODC and WITSA.With best regards,Loide A. N. Lungameni On June 16th, 2015 SG Poisant registered WITSA’s Secretariat to being to receive UNODC Newsletters (see link) http://www.unodc.org/runtime/newsletter/confirm-subscription.jsp?token=rdUJGRNgXHyRxcZZNLg8gAGJwoV6Sb6&cid=1&lng=en&subscriptionId=51076UNODC is mentioned in research material related to Cybersecurity. SG Poisant will review the organization to see if it fits into WITSA’s overall communications and brand marketing plan as well as fitting into WITSA WCIT programs.No Updates in July.No Change in August__________________________________________________________________________APAC-To be Determined_____________________________________________________________________________NetMundial Initiative Council - The NetMundial Initiative is a plan for international governance of the Internet that was first proposed at the Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (GMMFIG) conference (23–24 April 2014)[1][2][3] and later developed into the NetMundial Initiative by ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade along with representatives of the World Economic Forum (WEF)[4] and the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee.

Initial NETMundial Mtg-San Paulo, Brasil April 23-24, 2014 (WITSA Members attended). WITSA Paper was submitted and accepted.

NMI Council Resulted from San Paulo meeting-Secretary General appointed to Council (1 of 5 from Private Sector globally)

WITSA’s Secretary General attended initial council meeting in San Francisco (Stanford University) on April 30th

Inaugural meeting scheduled in San Paul, Brasil June 30th. Secretary General met privately with:

-The Secretary/Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brasil-The President & CEO of ICANN Fadi Chehadé-The Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Lawrence Strickling, US Department of Commerce

On May 22, 2015 Members of the Council received a surprising message from the president of ICANN, Mr Fadi stating:

“Dear fellow Council Members, (Net Mundial Council)

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By now, you may have heard an announcement about my decision to end my tenure at ICANN after March 2016. I am writing to reaffirm my commitment to you and the global community on advancing Internet governance, and in particular to the NETmundial initiative and its council.I came to globalize ICANN and institutionalize its operations. I am encouraged that after nearly four years, these objectives would be met when I depart next year. Frankly, this is largely due to the professionalism and dedication of ICANN's team and community. The remaining key project is to sunset the U.S. Government's stewardship of ICANN: I remain confident that by next March, the global community will have a final response from the U.S. authorities on the proposal - which I project will be positive. As the world embraces ICANN's effective and independent coordination role for the technical/logical layer of the Internet, the global focus will now quickly shift to governing what happens ON the Internet. And this is where NETmundial could have a pivotal role. 

Looking forward, I stand ready to work with you and the global community to build NETmundial into a practical platform for innovative 21st century Internet governance. I am deeply committed to this endeavor and look forward to see you in São Paulo on June 30.Sincerely,Fadi Chehadé 

Note: SG Poisant spoke to a number of senior individuals (corporate and institutions), when in Geneva during the week of May 24th regarding the NetMundial Council. All feedback was less than positive regarding the role of the council. All felt that what they understood about the council’s role could be absorbed in existing organizations, in particular the Internet Governance Forum. On June 30th the inaugural meeting of the NMI will take place in San Paulo, Brasil. SG Poisant will attend and continue to assess the role of the Council to determine WITSA’s future role, if any. SG Poisant attended the Inaugural NetMundial from June 29-30th in San Paulo. https://www.netmundial.org/coordination-council-inaugural-meeting-s%C3%A3o-paulo-brazil-30-june-2015 .SG Poisant had the opportunity to meet with senior officials from China and the European Union. In addition he met with Jack Ma the chairman of Alibaba. SG Poisant discussed his involvement in WCIT 2016. -Patrick Penninckx (NetMundial) Head of Information Society DeptCouncil of EuropePatrick.Penninckx@coe.int-Jack Ma Chairman Alibaba (NetMundial) -Lu Wei Minister The Cyberspace Administration of Chinaluwei@cac.gov.cn (NetMundial) Qi Xiaoxia Director General, Bureau of International AffairsChina, qixaoxia@cac.gov.cnSG Poisant followed up with Jack Ma Chairman Alibaba (NetMundial) on July 14th with an invitation and sponsorship material. Qi Xiaoxia

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-Lu Wei ,Minister The Cyberspace Administration of Chinaluwei@cac.gov.cn (NetMundial) On July 28th SG Poisant confirmed that he would attend the November 9th NMI meeting in Brasil.August 4-SG Poisant wrote an email to both Jack Ma and the Minister as a reminder to answer his email requests.SG Poisant agreed to work on a subcommittee on the Council. The next meeting of the council will take place on November 8th immediately prior to the IGF meeting in Brasil. Throughout the month of August there were numerous emails regarding the online toll for organizations to request assistance (proposals) from the Council. As soon as the tool is ready and available for public disclosure it will be provided to WITSA members.____________________________________________________________________________World Economic Forum (WEF) Geneva-The WEF an International Institution committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation. The WEF engages political, business, academic and other leaders of society in collaborative efforts to shape global, regional and industry agendas.  Together with other stakeholders, it works to define challenges, solutions and actions, always in the spirit of global citizenship. In addition the WEF serves and builds sustained communities through an integrated concept of high-level meetings, research networks, task forces and digital collaboration.

March 26, 2015 WITSA’s Secretary General met at WEF Headquarters to discuss future relationship with ICT staff.

Relationship could include having WITSA subject matter experts contributing to shaping the WEF issues. Inviting WITSA leaders to participate in WEF thought leadership events, and possibly a formal partnership where WITSA leadership contributes with leadership from other partners in our community in shaping the agenda for the WEF.

On May 27th SG Poisant met at WEF’s headquarters in Geneva with Bruce Weinelt,   Bruce leads up WEF’s work on Digital Transformation of Industries. Essentially looking at industry by industry the direction digitisation is taking or in other words, the IT’isation of each industry.  The meeting lasted for two hours and concluded that SG Poisant would meet with Alan Marcus on June 10th in Washington DC to continue discussions on forming a relationship between the WEF and WITSA.

On May 28, 2015 (Geneva), SG Poisant met Alex Wong, Senior Director, Head, Center for Global Industries (Geneva) Head Basic & Infrastructure Industries-Alex.wong@weforum.org t 41 (0) 869 1460 c 41 (0) 792102618-Alex organized high level meeting at the WSIS Forum Geneva-WITSA was warmly welcomed by the WEF as well as the 30 attendees to include the Sec General of the ITU.WITSA SG met Met Virat Bhatia, President AT&T, South Asia (May 28, 2015) Geneva. Very familiar with NASSCOM and Chandrasekhar. He was made aware of the WCIT 2018.Virat.bhatia@intl.att.com T-91-124-4848716 C 91 98110 47476-June 10-SG Poisant met with Alan Marcus in Northern Virginia. Mr Marcus discussed potential relationship arrangement with J Poisant. One would be paid membership in the

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WEF the other being invited to attend particular meetings as guest experts. The paid membership (60K per year + 29K to attend the annual Davis conference) was discussed but not considered by SG Poisant at this time. The alternative expert relationship appeared to be the best option at this time. Mr Marcus is to get back to SG Poisant with additional information regarding the expert category of WEF involvement.

July 7th –SG Poisant wrote to Alan Marcus hope u are having a good summer. I just wanted to get back to you to see if you have given more thought to how the WEF and WITSA can work together going forward. I look forward to hearing from you soon.Best regards,JimAugust 14th-Alan-a gentle reminder to see if you have given some thoughts to how best we can work together.   Looking forward to hearing from you soon.  Hope u are having a nice summer.Regards,JimNo Change by the end of August._________________________________________________________________________OECD- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-The OECD uses its wealth of information on a broad range of topics to help governments’ foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability. We help ensure the environmental implications of economic and social development are taken into account.

WITSA’s Secretary General has had a long relationship with Dr Andrew Wyckoff, Director of the OECD’s Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation. 

Secretary General is presently in discussions with the OECD to work with the OECD or BIAC

BIAC- is the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD. An international business network with a global membership A cross-industry diverse group with a common mission: advocate for open markets

and private sector-led growth A trusted partner to the OECD and other international institutions

Response:marshalian@biac.org Dr Andrew Wyckoff is a confirmed WCIT 2016 speaker.

Email to Dr Wyckoff from Dr Poisant:1) Thanks for getting back to me Andy. It appears from reviewing a potential BIAC/WITSA relationship

we would most likely best fit under an Associate Expert Group membership. May I ask that you provide me with a contact within the BIAC so that I can begin the application process? Your willingness to continue the dialogue and the collaboration between OECD (STI) and WITSA on an informal basis is always welcome.  As you are aware WITSA’s next World Congress on IT is in Brasilia, Brazil (Oct 3-5). We will keep you posted on its progress.Thanks again Andy.Best regards,Jim

Response to Email to Dr Wyckoff from Dr Poisant

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2) Dear Dr Poisant, We would be happy to get the application process going for you. My colleague, Maud Garnier Bourrelly, that manages our membership is out of the office today, but will be back in the office tomorrow. She will be the contact person for all questions regarding membership.  Because of your interest in the upcoming CDEP Ministerial in Cancun, I will see with her on what we can do to include you in the preparations as soon as possible. All the best,Michelle

Status: SG is waiting to hear from Maud Garnier Bourrelly. (June 2, 2015) June 8, 2015 SG Poisant send follow up request to Maud Garnier Bourrelly. Poisant

had not heard back from her. June 10th Dear Jim,Apologies for not getting back to you earlier – last week was the busiest of the year for many of us, with BIAC’s strong participation in the OECD Forum and Council meeting at ministerial level. Many thanks for letting us know of your interest in BIAC’s Associate Experts Group. This group was set up as a complement to the BIAC full membership (composed of the largest employers’ and industry organizations in OECD countries), to involve international sector-related industry organizations. I attach the related BIAC Guidelines, which will provide you with additional information on the rights and duties of AEGs. Feel free to also take a look at the BIAC website, where you will find more about our activities.Taking a look at WITSA’s website, I see a very impressive list of members. It would be great to hear a little bit more about your organization and fields of interest. Please let me know if your organization would be interested to join the BIAC AEG. I will be very pleased to guide you through the process.Best regards, Maud-June 10th - Michelle Marshalian wrote: Dear Jim, Because we are keenly aware of your interests in the upcoming Ministerial in Cancun, our Chair for the Committee for Digital Economic Policy would like to invite you to attend one of the sessions during the CDEP week meetings on the week of the 22nd. This will be a time when discussions on the themes of the ministerial will be taking place.I have attached the CDEP meeting agenda and a registration form if you would be interested in attending.Once again, please excuse us as this is a very busy time of the year for us, but we would be happy to talk to you about becoming an official part of BIAC.

Dear Maud-thanks for getting back to me at such a busy time.  Per your request, a little more about the World Information Technology & Services Alliance (WITSA). WITSA is a consortium of 82 leading ICT Associations representing approximately 90% of the ICT industry.  Although WITSA was not formally incorporated until 1998 in the US, WITSA as an organization has existed since the late 70’s. WITSA awards different country members the right to host its premier congress referred to as The World Congress on IT (WCIT). The 19th WCIT was hosted by Mexico in 2014, www.wcit2014.org. The 20th will take place in 2016 in Brasilia, Brasil.

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As mentioned, WITSA is quite interested in working with the OECD/BIAC as partner as WITSA is quite unique in that it is the voice of the ICT industry and represents the vast majority of ICT companies around the world. 

I understand that one way to become associated with BIAC is for WITSA to become an Associate Experts Group member.  We would of course be pleased to learn about this category of membership, I believe however, that we may very well be able to add more value to BIAC if we could forge more a comprehensive relationship.  For example, last March WITSA and UNCTAD signed an MOU in Geneva whereby we both organizations agreed to work together on a number of different activities.  I am attaching the MOU for your information.

As you review the MOU and this message when you have time please provide me with the process and requirements of your Associate Experts Group membership program to include costs. 

Maud, I look forward to hearing from you when you have time. Thanks again.

July 29, 2015-SG Poisant wrote: Dear Maud and Michelle-I trust your meetings went well.  If you have time I would like to continue to follow up with one or both of you to see how WISTA can become involved in BIAC.  Please let me know when and who I can contact.Best regards, JimJuly 30, 2015Dear Jim, Many thanks for coming back to us on this. We had to briefly discuss with our colleague Nicole, who is on sick leave. Michelle will be in contact with you soon to see how we can draw experience from the Korea ministerial and involve WITSA in the Cancun ministerial.Best regards,Maud Aug 19- Michelle-a gentle reminder-When would you like to talk?ThxJim__________________________________________________________________________International Council for IT in Government Administration ( ICA ) The International Council for Information Technology in Government Administration (ICA) is a non-profit international organisation. It promotes and facilitates the informal exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences on management and the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in central government administration. ICA is an international forum that supports senior management in the formulation of IT policy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governments at local level. SG Applied for membership June 4, 2015June 5, 2015-SG Poisant requested membership with the ICADear Mr. Poisant,We thank you for your mail.  Before we proceed to review your request, we kindly ask that you provide some more information about your organization and what you envision from an Associate Membership with ICA.

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We look forward to your response.Kind Regards,ICA Secretariat

Dear ICA Secretariat:Like the ICA, WITSA is a nonprofit international organization interested global ICT Development to include governments.  Our members make up over 90% of the ICT companies through the world representing 82 countries.  In order to work effectively, the public and private sector must work together to employ ICTs’ to maximize their benefits. It appears a natural fit for our two organizations to work together.  We too host a major event called the World Congress on IT.  We have been hosting now for 38 years.  An important element of the program is the inclusion of governments on the program www.wcit 2014.  (Mexico)I hope that this information is helpful to you in making your decision.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.

SG Poisant followed up on WITSA’s application for Associate membership pn July 14th to the ICA Secretariat.On July 15th SG Poisant received the following reply from the ICA Secretariat:Dear Mr. Poisant,We thank you for your interest in becoming an associate member of ICA.  Your request has been thoroughly reviewed; however we regret to inform you that our membership is limited to governmental officials.  Associate memberships are defined by non-private sector activity.Once again, your interest was greatly appreciated.Kind Regards,ICA SecretariatOn July 15th SG Poisant wrote to Tim Conway as he was the one who recommended membership if the response was questionable? No Change in August______________________________________________________________________________

CIO Executive Council The CEC was launched in 2004 by CIO magazine. Current membership includes hundreds of the world’s top CIOs from organizations of every size and industry.  Below are just a few of the thought leaders contributing to our global community.

Nowhere in the world will you find a more concentrated or experienced group of IT leaders than within the CEC. The CEC was launched in 2004 by CIO magazine. Current membership includes hundreds of the world’s top CIOs from organizations of every size and industrySG Poisant developed a working relationship with the CEC leading up to the WCIT 2014 wherein the council recruited CIO’s to take part in the congress –CIO Perspectives Session.

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On July 23, 2015 an agreement was finalized between the Council and WITSA to continue working together to supply CIO’s to the WCIT’s. On July 29 the agreement was send to the WCIT project heads in Brasil. The essence of the agreement is the CIO Executive Council will recruit CIO’s for the WCIT’s CIO Perspectives Panel and WCIT 2016 will pay them $1,000.00 per placement. WCIT 2016 approved the agreement.No Change in August______________________________________________________________________________The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

On July 21, 2015 SG Poisant received an Invitation to the Annual Forum of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation as a program participant (14th to 16th September 2015) in Nairobi, Kenya. As SG Poisant is scheduled to return to Brasil in support of the WCIR 2016 during this period he invited Waudo Siganga to take his place on July 21, 2015. Waudo accepted the invitation and is coordinating with the CTO.

On August 28th Dr Siganga received an invitation to participate in the program. He accepted the offer._________________________________________________________________

Financial InstitutionsThe Inter American Development Bank- The IADB works to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through financial and technical support for countries working to reduce poverty and inequality, we help improve health and education, and advance infrastructure. Our aim is to achieve development in a sustainable, climate-friendly way. With a history dating back to 1959, today the IADB the leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. The IADB provides loans, grants, and technical assistance; and we conduct extensive research. The IADB maintains a strong commitment to achieving measurable results and the highest standards of increased integrity, transparency, and accountability.

WITSA’s Secretary General Negotiations underway for WITSA relationship (MOU) with the IADB office of Partnerships. Three meetings between the IADB and Dr Poisant have taken place in Washington DC.

On June 2, 2015 SG Poisant wrote an email to Mr Miquel Porrua, IADB’s Lead EGovernment Specialist reminding him of WITSA’s willingness to engage in a relationship with the IADB.

- On July 24th SG was contacted by M Porrua. Mr Porrua committed to setting up a meeting with the Office of Outreach and Partnerships to see if WITSA can become a partner

- Regarding the WITSA meeting in Brazil next year, the commitment to collaborate remains.

- He told SG Poisant that IADB was committed to invite WITSA to any event they organized related to ICTs.

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- A meeting has been set up between SG Poisant and the IADB Partnership office for September 3, 2015.

______________________________________________________________________________

The World Bank- The World Bank is a United Nations international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs. The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group, and a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Negotiations underway for WITSA relationship. WITSA’s Secretary Generalmet with Randeep Sudan, Practice Manager (Global), Information and Communication Technologies, Transport & ICT Global Practice-(Confirmed WCIT 2016 Speaker).

Thanks Jim for connecting us!It would be great if we can connect via Skype: LStein.I have been working hard, collaborating with the Government to improve Chile´s Innovation ecosystem.Some initiatives have been successful but there is still so much to be done if we want Chile and the rest of the Latin-American economies to fully benefit from the development that ICT can drive.I´ll be very happy to share with you the experience at Imagine Business Lab, the ICT business accelerator that we created from within the ICT industry, with funding from CORFO and Microsoft Sponsorship that we want to replicate regionally. Working on a program with the World Bank would be fantastic!I´m currently in Mexico, but tomorrow I will be back in ChilePlease let me know what times you are available (If you can, please give me a couple of options) this Thursday and Friday.Regards,Luis SteinPartner Imagine Business Lab

May 25, 2015-the following email was sent from SG Poisant to the World Bank:Randeep, Please let me know if you are still interested in working with WITSA to replicate   the Mexico First program in Jordon.  I discussed this opportunity with Mr Nizar Zakka, WITSA’s Regional Vice Chairman for the Middle East and N Africa.  He is quite interested in becoming engaged.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.Best regards, Jim

June 4th call took place between the World Bank, (Randeep), Luis Stein and J Poisant-very positive resulting in the bank asking Mr Stein to assess the level of interest within the Chilean government for World Bank support. Assuming the results are positive the bank is willing to send a team to Chile to assess a possible working relationship with the bank.

Mid July 2015 SG Poisant contacted Luis Stein to ask if there were any activities between Chile (gov’t) and the WB. He said no but he was working on something ang and asked that I not contact the bank until he notified me.

Aug 19-Hello Randeep, I hope that you are having an enjoyable summer. I wanted to connect with you to rekindle our activities. I understand that Chile is working on being better prepared to proposal a working relationship with you and the bank. Have you given anymore thought about Greece and Jordon? Randeep, I am attaching a description of one of the World Congress session titled: The Role of the Public & Private Sector in ICT Development. How do you feel about moderating this session? If so who would you recommend we add to the panel/

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I look forward to hearing from you soon. Aug 23rd-Dear Jim, Thank you for your email, and for following up on our previous conversations! We are currently in

the middle of defining core areas which we should be focusing on, in the context of the SDGs and also the operationalization of the World Development Report 2016 on the subject of Digital Dividends. We will have a better clarity on our country strategies at the end of this exercise. This is another 3-4 months down the line.

Regards, Randeep

_________________________________________________________________

WITSA Activities WITSA’s World Congress on IT- OverviewFirst held in 1978, the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) is unique in its global perspective on ICT issues and its ability to draw users, providers, media and academia from around the world. Every two years, senior global business, government and academic leaders discuss emerging markets, legal and policy issues, political and economic trends, emerging technologies, ICT user perspectives and business opportunities in the global marketplace. Among the featured speakers are internationally recognized leaders from government and industry. As an example, the 1998 World Congress had over 1900 delegates from 93 countries, with over 100 sponsoring organizations. WCIT 2000, held in Taipei, and WCIT 2002, held in Adelaide, Australia, were equally successful, with Former US President, Bill Clinton, Prime Minster Thatcher, President Mikhail Gorbachev, Bill Gates and other notables featured in the programs. In 2008 (Malaysia) and 2010 (Amsterdam) over 3000 delegates attended.

On September 28, 2014 the WITSA Board of Directors voted to award the WCIT on an annual basis. Four (4) awards were granted as follows:2017-Taiwan2018-India2019-Armenia2020-Malaysia

Each congress requires a $750,000.00 (USD) Licensing fee. Primarily due to these fees, WITSA faces the best financial condition in its existence. Status:

o Secretary General provided all hosts WITSA’s Operations Manual (on WITSA’s Site)-Manual contains comprehensive planning chart.

o Secretary General provided all hosts with tailored Host Agreements.o 2016-Brasil-Contract signed /License fee paid in full.o Secretary General recruited and confirmed 10 key speakers for program Secretary General scheduled for multicity sponsorship development trip June

2015 June 21-23–Brasilia Governor´s meeting/ IT

companies/organizations/event operations June 24-Rio de Janeiro – IT companies/EMBRATEL June 25- Rio/Curitiba - IT companies/POSITIVO

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June 26- Curitiba/São Paulo - IT companies/ TOTVS June 27-Internal wrap up WCIT meeting June 29 - IT companies /NetMundial Initiative Dinner June 30-NetMundial Inaugural meeting

2017-Taiwan-Contract signed (300K Paid/balance due 2015) 2018-India-Contract pending 2019-Yerevan, Armenia contract signed

Week of March 8th Secretary General traveled to Armenia for signing press conference/Radio Interview and meeting with Board of Director (UTIE) and staff.Contract signing was on National NewsToured conventions sites to evaluate and select best venue for WCIT 2018Toured Tumo Center for Creative Technologies (showcase for Technology Education)Met with Mr Vigen Sargsyan, Chief of Staff to the President of Armenia to receive presidential commitment to WCIT 2019Participated in press conference (WCIT 2018 contract signing) with the Armenian Economy Minister Karen Chshmarityan to reaffirm Aremenia’s commitment to support the WCIT. . http://witsa.org/witsa-wp-site/witsa-news/economy-minister-armenia-to-upgrade-its-it-rating-by-hosting-world-congress-of-information-technology-in-2019/

2020-Malaysia Contract pendingStatus-David Wong informed SG Poisant that PIKOM was in discussion with MDEC on the formation of WCIT 2020 and PIKOM needed more time.June 22-July 1st

AGENDA BRASÍLIA

Time June 22nd - (Monday)

11h MDIC - Ministry of Development Industry and Foreign Trade - Secretary Marcos Vinícius de Souza (Inovation)

13h30 Lunch at Chamber of Deputies - Deputy Leader Izalci Lucas Ferreira - PSDB/DF

15h Bank of Brazil – Mr. Fábio Cunha – Director of Relationship Management

16h Governor of Federal District - Mr. Rodrigo Rollemberg

Horário June 23rd – Tuesday

10h CNI - National Confederation of Industry - Mr. Rafael Lucchesi - Director of Education and Technology

11h CEF - Federal Savings Bank - Mr. Gerson Bordignon - National Superintendent

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of Marketing

14h30 Softex - The Association for Promotion of Brazilian Software Excellence – Mr. Ney Leal - Vice President

16h30 Sebrae - Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service – Mrs. Rosana Melo - IT Project Coordinator

Horário June 24th – Wednesday

TBC Ministry of Science and Technology

TBC Ministry of Communication

SG Poisant completed an 12 day trip to Brasilia, Rio De Jeneiro and San Paulo from June 20th to July 1st. A trip report is attached.

SG Poisant send all WCIT hosts a newly developed Sponsorship Propect form to track prospects and to establsih a database of sponsor contacts and results.

On July 15th SG Poisant wrote to Mr Larry Strickling the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communicatiosn and Information, US Commerce Department asking him and teh Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to participate in the WCIT 2016 Program and to work with him on sending a large US delegation to the congress. Dr Poisant and Mr Stickling are members of the NetMundial Council.

As of August 31, 2015 the following progress has been made on the WCIT 2016 Program:

WCIT 2016 Speaker List (August 31, 2015

WCIT 2016 Speakers List

1    Vint Cerf, VP and Chief Evangelist, Google (co father of the Internet)

2       Gary Beach, Chairman Emeritus, CIO Magazine

3       Honorable H.E. Ivo Ivanovski   Minister of Information Society and Administration

Government of Republic of Macedonia

4. Alan Marcus Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and

Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum

5. Prof. Howard A. Schmidt Ridge Schmidt Cyber LLC/

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Former Special Assist to the President and the Cybersecurity Coord for US Fed Gov/ Chief Sec Officer for Microsoft

6. Torbjörn Fredriksson Chief at ICT Analysis Section UNCTAD, Geneva, Switzerland

7. Andrew Wyckoff Directorate for Science, Tech and Innovation Org for Economic Co-operation and Devel – OECD

8. Randeep Sudan, Sector Manager for Information and Communication Technologies, The World Bank

9. Fadi Chehadé / President and CEO, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

10. Fernandes Almeida- Secretary for Information Technology Policy, Brasil

11.  Som Mittal, Former president  of Nasscom, India

12. Prof Hartmut Richard Glazer, Exec Secretary Brazilian Internet Steering Committee

13. Minister Alex Mora, (Secretary) of Foreign Trade at Government of Costa Rica

14. Oren Gershtein, Owner IdealityRoads, Israel

15. Dr Loan Dzenowagis, eHealth Unit World Health Organization

16. Honorable Zuaid Ahmed, State Minister IT Government of Bangladesh

17. George Newstrom Vice President & General Manager Dell Service US Federal Government

18. Manu Bhardwaaj, Sen Adv & Coordinator International Comm & Information Policy, US State Department

19. Helio Graciosa

20. Dr Soumitra Dutta, World Eco Forum, dean Cornel University

Invited

  1.  Laurence Strickling, Assist Sec of Comm & Comm Info, US Depart of Commerce

2. Jorge Sukarie is President of ABES Software Association

3.  Secretary General Kituyi, IUNCTAD

4. Arlodo Cedraz de Olivera, President TCU

5. President Dilma Van Rousseff

6. Dr Robert Pepper, CISCO

___________________________________________________________________

WCIT Host Meetings (Conference Calls)-The Secretary General scheduled period meetings with all WCIT host in order to exchange information and to discuss leveraging assets between hosts and between WITSA.

April 2nd and May 7th-Secretary General Conducted two (2) WCIT Host Meetings/Conference calls

Secretary General provided program theme and architecture for WCIT programs. (Attachment)

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Secretary General prepared an Events System RFP for potential use by all WITSA WCIT hosts. Expect results by end of June 2015.

SG conducted a conference call with hosts from 2010, 2017 and 2019 to review 11 session descriptions for use in sponsorship marketing and speaker negations.

August-SG Poisant added the State department, the World Health Organization to the program

SG Poisant scheduled trip to Taiwan (6-11) and Brasil (12-18) in September. _________________________________________________________________________WITSA’s Global Policy Action Committee (GPAC)-The main purpose of the GPAC is to create documents which establishes and promotes WITSA voice in policy related issues.  Each year an extensive vetting occurs within WITSA and its main stakeholder to prioritize these issues.

Policy Issues vetting process competed Five (5) 2015 Policy priorities Identified:

1) Women in IT, 2) Cyber Security, 3) Internet Governance,4) International Trade, 5) Cross Border Information

Principle Paper Sub committees formed (leaders selected) Working groups underway with initial drafts Committee tasks on Schedule February 23, 2015 a  GPAC meeting (call) was conducted

Report to BOD May 22, 2015GPAC Sub Committee Meetings/Calls

Int’l Trade: 4/23 & 5/13The existing (September 2013) is in the process of being updated to take into account the flux of regional and bilateral trade agreements, Net Neutrality, trade and investment, and cross border data flows.

Internet Governance: 4/22Existing paper is in the process of being amended, mainly in light of the IANA transition issues and ICANN accountability. A draft will be circulated to the working group for finalization soon.

Restrictions on free flow of information: 4/21Draft principles were presented at our meeting in Herndon in May. Further amendments are being made in follow up to the JEITA-Digital Europe-ITI trilateral meeting which took place in Washington DC at the end of August. These will soon be presented to the working group for finalization via conference call.

Cyber Security: 4/21, 5/14Draft principles were presented at the WITSA meeting in Herndon in May. Further amendments have been made based on input received from

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working group members. A draft paper exists and is being amended before being circulated to the group for input.

Women in IT: 4/20Principles have been drafted and finalized. The principles are being incorporated into a WITSA declaration. Once finalized, members activities will be incorporated into an annex, to be presented to WITSA’s stakeholders

On May 21st and 22nd the GPAC committee met and reported to the full WITSA BOD on its progress.

Audit/Finance and Trade Committees also reported to the BOD on May 22, 2015-the WITSA Secretariat is following up on all action items.________________________________________________________________________

Status on 2014 Member Survey-Each year WITSA conducts an annual member survey. In 2014 more members responded than ever before.

2014 Member Survey Completed-Results presented to BOD on May 22, 2015____________________________________________________________________________

WITSA’s Global Advisory Council-In 2014 WITSA’s Secretary General established a Global Advisory Council (members Attachment II). This council’s main function is to provide WITSA with expert advice and perspectives on WITSA’s policy efforts. It should be noted that both “Fathers of the Internet” are members of this council.

April 23 2015-Conducted 1st Quarter meeting (Conference call) No Updates in June or July

_________________________________________________________________

WITSA’s Global Partner ProgramTaiwan-Secretary General signed renewal agreement with III, Taiwan. This renewal is the second with III. Taiwan was previously represented by ETRI. On May 20, 21 and 22nd 2015 SG Poisant met with Dr Gary Gong, Director of III in Washington DC during the May WITSA BOD meeting. In addition to being the main contact for II as WITSA’s Global Partner Dr Gong is the main government contact for Taiwan’s WCIT 2017. Mexico-Mexico IT renewed its program membership for 2015 (4th year)________________________________________________________________________

WITSA Meetings:WITSA MEMBER MEETINGSNASSCOM Leadership Forum/India

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February 12-14, 2015: Deputy Chairman Roger Latchman/Secretary General/ and Brasil WCIT 2016 delegation in Attendance

Secretary General met several times with the Brazilian Delegation to review outstanding aspects of the NASSCOM Leadership Forum

Secretary General met with R Chandrashekhar and Shivendra Singh to discuss Chandrashekhar’s role representing WITSA at OECD in Paris in March 2015.

February 24, 2015 WITSA BOD Meeting March 26, 2015, WITSA’s Vice President of Administration hosted a Viet Nam

delegation (WITSA Member VINASA) in Northern Virginia at the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

April 3, 2015 Secretary General, VP Administration met the ITI’s new VP International Relations (Washington DC) to brief him on WITSA and ITI’s future involvement

Secretary General met with both the IADB and World Bank during the 1st qtr of 2015. November 17, 2014 Secretary General met with Vint Cerf to award him WITSA’s

Eminent Person’s Award May 14, 2015-Secretary General and VP Administration visited and reviewed venue and

hotel sites for WITSA’s May 20-22, 2015 BOD Meeting Discuss potential of partnering with the ICT World Congress in Latin America in

coordination with Luis Stein (agreement not reached) On May 26, 2015 SG Poisant met Ms Loide Lungamenti, Chief Crime and Illicit

Trafficking Branch, UN Division for Treaty Affairs loide.lungamenti@unodc.org VIENNA, Austria. Ms Lungamenti expressed an interest in being associated with WITSA. SG Poisant sent UNCTAD/WITSA MOU to her on June 2, 2015 to continue the dialogue between organizations.

On May 27, 2015 SG Poisant meet with David Gross (Former UN Ambassador to the UN) Prior to joining Wiley Rein (law firm), Gross served as the U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs from 2001 to 2009. He was responsible for the formulation and advocacy of international communications policy for the United States. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the rank of Ambassador. David is an old friend of WITSA’s SG. He presently is with a very large and influential law firm in Washington DC. David is an excellent resource for potential WCIT speakers as well as high-level officials and executives. 202 719 7414.

SG Poisant arranged a meeting between CISA, Taiwan and Mr. Matthias Ifesieh of ITAN Nigeria in Taipei, Taiwan on June 3rd 2015.

May 27, 2015 SG Poisant met with Lynn St Amour the President/CEO of Internet Matters. She was the former President of the Internet Society (ISOC). The meeting centered on her thoughts regarding the NetMundial Initiative/Council.

May 28, SG Poisant met Tarek Kamel, Senior Advisor to the President of ICANN. Mr Kamel was the former IT Minster for Egypt. SG Poisant has known him in that

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capacity since 2010. Minister Kamel has agreed to participate in WITSA’s Advisory Council as well as WCIT 2016.

June 10, 2015 SG Poisant to meet in Washington DC with Alan Marcus, Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum USA to discuss WITSA/WEF relationship.

July 2, 2015 SG Poisant introduced the CEO of WCIT 2016 to Luis Stein as she was traveling to Chile in a few weeks (Agenda attached)

SG Poisant confirmed the State Department on the WCIT 2016 program On August 19, SG Poisant received a letter from US Treasury Department

regarding WITSA request to allow the Iranian Guild (ICT Association) join WITSA August 4, 2015 NASSCOM confirmed the dates of December 4 & 5th for the Fall

BOAD meeting in Delhi. _____________________________________________________________________

OTHEROpen Entry Open Entry –Is an Entry portal into E-Commerce Stores and Marketplaces. Dan Salcedo, Open Entry founder and president won one of WITSA’s highest awards for his web site which has enabled thousands of entrepreneurs who had little hope and no opportunity to market their products globally to benefit. SG Poisant has known Mr Salcedo for a number of years. Based on this relationship and respect for WITSA as an organization, Mr Salcedo has agreed to provide WITSA with a specially designed B2B portal which will allow WITSA members to market their products globally at no cost to WITSA. SG Poisant submitted an array of ICT Products & Services to Open Entry for inclusion in a test site BETA test.June 17, 2015Dear Sabur,

Recalling the Board meeting on May 22nd we took note of your interest in creating a B2B web portal for WITSA members and contacted a long time friend and acquaintance Mr Dan Salcedo the founder and owner of Open Entry.  Dan and his company OpenEntry won WITSA’s highest Global ICT Excellence Award for Digital Opportunity several years ago and they are experts in hosting and operating B2B and B2C web portals. 

Based on the close relationship we have with Dan he is offering WITSA the opportunity to offer all WITSA members the ability to connect to other WITSA members in a global marketplace.  Please open the preliminary demo Http://NM.OpenEntry.com/WITSA.  As you see from the rough demo Open Entry is intended to allow entrepreneurs from developing countries with the opportunity to advertise and sell their products around the globe.  In WITSA’s case we can use the Open Entry Portal to allow WITSA member companies to advertise and market their products and services globally BUT NOT sell through the portal; rather to connect with potential buyers and sellers.  In other words, the portal will allow for

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companies to connect with potential buyers and sellers so that they can contact each other to establish relationships in the hopes that business will take place in the near or distant future.  Basically, WITSA can offer its association members (per country) an opportunity for their members to showcase and hopefully sell their products & services while networking around the globe.

For example, BCS member companies can join this online marketplace, a WITSA’s B2B Portal. A special Box/Location called (Bangladesh/BCS) would be set up by Dan Salcedo and his team.  BCS would then go out to their members and sign them up to add their products and services to the online marketplace.

Sabur,- this could be an outstanding potential opportunity for WITSA members and their corporate membership.

At this stage, we are working with Dan to set up a test site that will be featured in a formal proposal to the WITSA Board of Directors. The next step is to populate the beta test with a few samples of real WITSA members.  This is where we need your assistance.  Could I kindly ask for your assistance to receive eight (8)  BCS member company names, URLs and a contact for each?  In turn, WITSA will contact them and ask that they provide product and service offering information to be used on the test demo.

Sabur, it is hoped that this offering will be of great value to all of WITSA members and a great accomplishment of the Global Trade Committee under your leadership. I look forward to hearing from you soon.   Sabur, Dan has agreed to provide this service to WITSA at no cost.  My sense is we should charge a very nominate fee, say 10USD per year per company in order to put some value on the service.  Please socialize this fee with a few of your members to see what they say.  Thanks

Best Regards,Jim

Dr. James H. PoisantAs of the end of August we are waiting to load another countries product/service data (Kenya?) before launching the BETA version to WITSA members.

End of Report

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