W2i Digital Cities Convention in Europe
Broadband Wireless Internet:
New Opportunities for Local Communities
• Dates: November 7-9, 2005
• Location: Euskalduna Convention Center, Bilbão Spain
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• Conference Agenda
Political Declaration of the “II World Summit of Cities and Local Authorities on the Informations Society":
10 Principles of Bilbão
We, mayors and local and regional authorities representatives, assume the principles and values (“10 Principles of Bilbão”) that must guide local action with regard to the development of the Information Society:
1. Freedom of communication and universal access to information and knowledge are fundamental rights of each and every citizen
2. The information era must lead to the strengthening of all human rights and the development of democracy in accordance with the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
3. The potential of information and communication technologies must contribute, above all, to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
4. The development of the Information Society must benefit all citizens, without exception, and bridge the digital divide, with special attention being paid to the most disadvantaged groups, to persons with disabilities and to the inhabitants of the most isolated areas, particularly rural communities
5. To promote effective democratic decentralisation with relevant powers and sufficient financial resources
6. Respect for cultural and linguistic diversity, dialogue between civilisations, and the diversity of the media
7. To promote transparency in the management of local and regional affairs and encourage people participation
8. To combat gender inequality and discrimination through the use of information technologies
9. To promote cooperation between local and regional authorities around the world through exchanging information and knowledge, and developing joint projects that enable the Information Society to progress
10. To develop North-South and South-South solidarity as a means of combating social and economic inequality, contributing in the process to the creation of a fairer and more equitable Information Society |