Cultural Diversity Central to Information Society - UNESCO

[January 27, 2003 - 10.45 GMT]

Cultural Diversity, including multilingualism must be a key principle of the Information Society in the Asia-Pacific region. An important element for ensuring cultural diversity is information in the public domain and a balance between intellectual property rights and the rights of access. 

These were the results of a Panel Discussion organized by UNESCO at the Asian Regional Pre-conference of the World Summit on the Information Society held last week in Tokyo.

The three-day conference brought together representatives of governments, private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across Asia.

"The concept of an Information Society is one in which highly-developed ICT networks, equitable and ubiquitous access to information, appropriate content in accessible formats and effective communication can help people to achieve their potential, promote sustainable economic and social development, improve quality of life for all, alleviate poverty and hunger, and facilitate participatory decision-making processes" stated the "Tokyo Declaration" adopted by the Conference participants.

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Last Updated Date: January 27, 2003  - 10.45 GMT.