UNESCO takes the Forum to launch its comprehensive Internet Study titled “Keystones to Foster Inclusive Knowledge Societies: Access to information and knowledge, Freedom of Expression, Privacy and Ethics on a Global Internet”, as mandated by its 37th General Conference Resolution 52 (2013). This major global study explores global perspectives on the new and emerging trends that are shaping the Internet space. The framework of investigating the four key fields for this report is that of Internet Universality. Based on all this, the draft report identifies a series of options for UNESCO. The study and its options follow an almost year-long process, which involved, inter alia, several rounds of consultation with Member States and other actors, as well as almost 200 major responses to an online questionnaire. 

UNESCO organized from 3 - 4 March 2015, an international multi-stakeholder conference of some 400 participants to discuss the first draft of the Comprehensive Study. With overwhelming agreement, an Outcome Document was adopted by UNESCO CONNECTing the Dots Conference and underscored the significance of the Internet for human progress and its role in fostering inclusive Knowledge Societies.

Proposed in the Document is affirmation of the human rights principles that underpin UNESCO’s approach to Internet-related issues, and support for the Internet Universality principles that promote a Human Rights-based, Open Internet, which is Accessible to all and characterized by Multi-stakeholder participation (R.O.A.M). The Study and Outcome Document are presented to UNESCO’s Member States through the Executive Board Meeting and General Conference within 2015.

All these documents are available at:
www.unesco.org/new/internetstudy
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/netconference2015