At the invitation of Ms Suvi Lindén, Minister of Communications of Finland, a group of UN Broadband Commission members will convene in Levi, Lapland, between 5 and 7 March. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss measures to provide people in developing countries with functioning broadband connections.
The subgroup led by Ms Lindén aims at creating a model, suitable for the circumstances in developing countries, for developing public electronic services and making them available for citizens. The pilot model to be drafted at the Levi seminar will be included in the working group's interim report to be submitted in June.
Parties represented in the subgroup include the International Telecommunications Union ITU, the OECD, and some of the world's largest international ICT companies. Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of the ITU, will also participate in the meeting.
In addition to 13 members of the Commission's subgroup, some 10 Finnish ICT experts will attend the meeting.
Background information
The International Telecommunications Union, ITU, and the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation, UNESCO, set up a high-level Broadband Commission for Digital Development in May 2010. Members of the Commission include more than 60 opinion leaders representing governments and relevant industries.
In September 2010, the Commission submitted its recommendations for action at a high-level meeting held in conjunction with the UN General Assembly. The Commission's work continues in seven subgroups. Minister of Communications Suvi Lindén leads the group convening in Levi.
Further information
Ms Asta Virtaniemi, Director of the Media and Communications Services Unit, tel. +358 40 519 6762
