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his is the number of countries that, through their heads of state or heads of government, have accepted the principle of a 1% digital solidarity contribution (the “Geneva Principle”). Coinciding with the report in Le Monde newspaper that the solidarity contribution on airline tickets (the Chirac tax) “despite its chaotic and controversial beginnings… is now a success”, we are particularly pleased with this result.

This extensive support is all the more significant given that it has been achieved without the large international lobby groups, major powers, or main international institutions. It is the fruit of the dedication of a handful of African leaders who have fought to avoid the (perhaps irreversible) marginalisation of developing countries from globalisation. Inspired by the words of Nelson Mandela “there will be no information society without the full participation of Africa” Presidents Abdoulaye Wade, Olusegun Obasanjo, Alpha O. Konaré, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Leonel Fernández and Obiang Nguema were the driving force behind this effort. In the future, these same men, or their successors, such as President Umaru Yar‘Adua, will ensure the success of this NEPAD initiative.

Given that official development assistance is steadily decreasing, we must involve new actors in cooperation policies. To make this possible, new financing mechanisms are needed. Senegal has recently made an important move in this direction within the framework of the Leading Group on Solidarity Levies to Fund Development, by proposing that an international Convention endorse the “Geneva Principle”. Then, it will be possible to turn intentions into action and finally move towards a more equitable information society.

Alain Clerc, Executive Secretary