The “Group of 77 + China”
The “Group of 77 + China” are urging the international community in New York to join the DSF and implement the “1% digital solidarity contribution”. They are calling for an amendment to that effect to be made to the Final Declaration of the United Nations Conference on financing for development in Doha.

ECOWAS ICT ministers
Following its last ministerial meeting in Praia (Cape Verde), the telecommunications ministers of the ECOWAS member countries have secured the commitment of those ECOWAS countries that have not yet done so to join the DSF and apply the “1% digital solidarity contribution”.

The 56 member states of the Leading Group
At the 5th plenary session of the Leading Group on Solidarity Levies to Fund Development (Conakry, 6 and 7 November 2008), the 56 member states approved the International Convention on Financing Digital Solidarity. This convention will be presented at the Lyon Conference. The Leading Group fully supports the “1% digital solidarity contribution”.

Welcome to Mali and Guinea
The Republic of Mali joined the DSF in September 2008. The Republic of Guinea announced its decision to join the DSF at the 5th session of the Leading Group (Conakry). These two countries are the 13th and 14th African nations to become founding members of the DSF.

The EU highlights the seriousness of the digital divide
At the UN General Assembly in New York (Second Committee), the representative of France, speaking on behalf of the EU, stressed that the digital divide is “an issue that can no longer be ignored in development policy” and reiterated the promotion by the DSF of the principle of a “1% digital solidarity contribution” designed to narrow the North-South divide.