Christian Ferrazino, Executive Councillor of the City of Geneva and DSF’s spokesperson, calls upon cities to engage in the effort to bridge the digital divide

What is the role of cities in promoting digital solidarity?

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are most developed in cities. Access to ICTs is the responsibility of local authorities, and it is through their political choice that their citizens can have access to the global network. Cities are on the front lines in the development of the Information Society, and thus they have an essential role to play: that of catalyst! Concretely, cities must commit to giving contractual priority to ICT companies who accept to pay to the Fund 1% of the transaction, deducted from their profits.

Cities must commit to make ICTs available to the greater number, particularly to those living in the poorest areas. Providing access to knowledge is also the best way to stimulate economic activity in disadvantaged areas, and thus avoid mass migrations due to poverty.

Why did Geneva support the creation of the DSF?

Geneva’s humanitarian tradition must be translated into political decisions. The support to the DSF is part of this conviction. Our commitment as a Founding Member is all the more natural as the Fund was launched in Geneva, and Geneva was the host city of the 1st Phase of the WSIS. Hence, Geneva sets the example through action. The fact that today, the United Nations is asking its Member States to contribute to the DSF proves that our initial commitment was legitimate. Our approach is increasingly supported by many cities and local authorities associations. The call of the cities of Geneva and Lyon, and that of the Province of Turin in December 2003 is the basis for a global solidarity movement of local authorities to reduce the digital divide.

What are your expectations for the Bilbao Summit?

Bilbao is the follow-up of the 1st Summit of Cities and Local Authorities held in Lyon in 2003. It was in Lyon that Mayors and Presidents of Regions decided to create a global Digital Solidarity Fund, in order to involve local authorities – alongside Nation States – in the enormous challenge of bridging the digital divide. In Bilbao, we will share what the Fund has achieved so far, and we will encourage participants to bring their support, in particular, by inviting them to implement the Geneva Principle. Only a concrete commitment on the part of all actors will enable access to knowledge for all.