Last month was an important moment for the Fund as it presented its first results at the WSIS in Tunis. Only 7 months after its inauguration, the DSF has shown that, beyond declarations of intent, it can bring concrete responses to the great challenge posed by the digital divide.

The Fund introduced two of its pilot projects before representatives of the international community and established satellite contact with health officials in Burundi and Burkina Faso. Local HIV/AIDS medical personnel were able to talk with Heads of State present in Tunis about the vital importance of network communications.

This presentation also highlighted the DSF’s other objective: that of establishing collaborative relations between the local groups that can benefit from network connections. This multiplication of partnerships is the only way to win the fight against the digital divide: only close collaboration between public authorities, businesses and local associations will enable the greater number to participate in the knowledge society.

The Tunis Summit has again shown the difficulties of a world divided between those who have access to information and those who are denied that access. It has brought to light the social, economic, cultural and political consequences of this «digital exclusion», which constitutes a denial of existence. Today, this situation affects of hundreds of millions of people.

An encouraging sign, however, – which was at the heart of the DSF demonstration – is that the digital divide can be bridged. Still, it will require that all groups take up their responsibility and commit to implement the «one percent» digital solidarity principle. This is Tunis’ strong message.

Happy New Year to all of our readers!

Alain Clerc
Secrétaire exécutif du FSN