Who developed the SVP?
Organization of American States (OAS): The Summits of the
Americas Virtual Platform (SVP) is a joint effort of the Summits
of the Americas Secretariat, in coordination with the OAS
Department of Human Development, through the Educational Portal
of the Americas.
Supported by: The Institute for Connectivity in the
Americas (ICA) / International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
What is the Summits Virtual Platform (SVP)?
The SVP, launched in September 2008, is a virtual space designed
to complement the Summits of the Americas Process. It provides
registered users access to online fora and other communication
tools, as well as access to Summit-related materials, document
drafts and other resources.
Why was the SVP developed?
Recognizing the value of the contributions made by civil society
and other social actors to the Summits of the Americas Process,
the SVP was launched to expand opportunities for participation
of these actors through the use of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs).
In its initial phase, the SVP will play an instrumental role in
preparation for the Fifth Summit (Trinidad & Tobago, April 17 to
19, 2009), particularly in fostering a more robust and inclusive
dialogue on key themes and priority areas of the
Draft Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain
titled “Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human
Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability”.
Which actors may participate in the
virtual fora and consultations undertaken through the SVP?
Participation is free and open to citizens and other social
actors, including representatives of civil society
organizations, NGOs, and international organizations, workers
and union representatives, indigenous peoples, afro descendants,
and members of the private and academic sectors, among others.
However, the SVP will act as a restricted virtual space and
registration is required.
When will the fora be held and on which
subjects?
Each forum will focus on a particular theme relevant to the
Fifth Summit of the Americas and will be programmed in
anticipation of the face-to-face meetings of the Summit
Implementation Review Group (SIRG), where the negotiations of
the text of the Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain take
place.
Click here to view the complete Calendar.
What happens to all of the
recommendations and comments made by the participants of the
fora?
Recommendations arising from social actor’s participation in the
different fora will be incorporated into a report by the Summits
Secretariat and submitted for consideration of the 34 member
States, as they negotiate the text of the Declaration of
Commitment of Port of Spain.
How can I participate in the virtual
fora?
To register, please
click here. Please complete the
registration form and you will then receive a Welcome e-mail
inviting you to participate in the forum.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Summit
Virtual Platform’s Coordinator, Claudia Salazar
[email protected].
