Page 407 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

of the Geneva Diplomatic Community Network (GDCnet), which aimed to
improve information exchange for Member States via their Geneva-based
Permanent Representations. At least 64 Missions are already connected.) The
GDC is a current reality responding to the requirements of the Geneva
diplomatic community for improved and more efficient electronic working
methods.

A network for improved information exchange between international or-
ganizations and members, GDCnet ia aimed at overcoming the limitations that
many missions, particularly from developing and LDC countries face in Inter-
net connectivity and the use of electronic tools. Giving faster and permanent
connectivity to information resources from international organizations and to
the Internet, it also enables shared strategies that can considerably reduce in-
formation dissemination costa, simplify document access, permit computer
assisted team work, videoconferencing and high quality live-video broadcasts
of conferences and meetings.

The Information System Users Group (ISUG) of the Diplomatic com-
munity has been instrumental in promoting a wider contribution to the
GDCnet effort, and in the harmonization of related activities by international
organizations. The Economic and Social Council, meeting in July 1999 in Ge-
neva, approved a resolution on "The need to harmonize and improve UN
information systems for optimal utilization and accessibility by all States”, facil-
itating the utilization of information technology and cooperation among
organizations of the UN system and diplomatic Missions in Geneva.

Further, in November 1999, the UN General Assembly also welcomed the
project and requested that the UN Secretary-General provides his continued
support. Lastly, in his Millennium Report the UN Secretary-General also spoke
about the importance of information technology and its transfer as well as UN
effort to spearhead the same.

I believe that the activities of ISUG are highly commendable and could
serve as a model to other duty stations in terms of vision, persistency and
dedication in dealing with the complicated and emerging issues of
information technology. To be successful, these activities must be
based on broad consensus among the Missions and the international
organizations and on their strong support. This is particularly important
today as diplomacy is facing a significant challenge in the field of information
technology.

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