Welcome address
Mohamed Bellagi, Ambassador of Tunis in the Russian Federation

Ladies and gentlemen,

The World Summit on the Information Society is the first major event in this new millennium. It was initiated by Tunis in 1998 and represents a historic opportunity for the international community to determine general perception of the Information Society and develop an efficient approach, which would contribute to bridging the digital divide and bringing harmonious Information Society for all.

As you already know, Tunis will host the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society in November 2005, since, according to the decision by the United Nations Organization, it was divided in time into two phases, the first of which was held in December 2003 in Geneva.

It is an event that is of highest importance for Tunis, developing countries and advanced countries, since they all, maybe to a different degree, face the necessity to overcome challenges brought by the digital revolution, and are striving to interrupt the growth of divide between north and south.

To reach the major aim that consists in the knowledge society development, and make digital and communication technologies a strategic tool for even development in economic, social and cultural areas, this summit should build a bridge between different levels of development and different digital cultures. This event should initiate a real cooperation by attracting and coordinating all stakeholders: governments, international organisations, civil society and private sector.

I wish your conference a successful work. I would like to assure you that Tunis, which is loyal to its traditions of hospitality, is looking forward to receiving you at the second phase of the World Summit to be held in November 2005.

Tunis acknowledges the importance of the set objectives and will do its best to ensure success to this meeting in 2005. The meeting, to which Tunis invites governments, world and regional organisations, all civil society and private sector, is expected to bring changes to the global planetary society, where there will be less divides and more justice, distribution and solidarity, all of which will be sustainable.

Thank you for your attention.