The aim of the Forum for a Responsible Globalisation, which will take place in Lyon from 25 to 28 October 2006, is to create an environment for a space for dialogue to find with a view to finding innovative and effective solutions to meet the new challenges of globalisation. Fostering dialogue among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, building on best practices and promoting the role of regions and cities are the underlying principles chosen by the organisers to create «a permanent laboratory for initiatives and experimentation».

When studying globalisation and the imbalances that it generates, and within the context of an information society which is becoming dominant in Western countries, digital solidarity emerges as a valid response to the problems of under-development. A workshop will be devoted this topic on Friday 27 October.

Under the title «Digital Solidarity: local governments facilitating multi-actor partnerships», several issues will be addressed: How can local authorities take advantage of the opportunities offered by information technologies? What type of partnerships can they establish with the private sector, NGOs, institutions and civil society? How can they take the lead in organising new financing mechanisms to reduce inequalities in the development of the information society? This workshop will be prepared and co-directed by the World Digital Solidarity Agency and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund.