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Next Steps: Exploring e-participation in the Summits Process

Now that the initial phase of the 'Summits Virtual Platform' has successfully concluded, the Summits of the Americas Secretariat is in the process of analyzing information of this initial phase and will soon begin planning for the next phase.

 

Why define this initial phase as 'successful'?
 

-   Demand and registration grew systematically through the project’s initial phase.
-    Anecdotal feedback was very positive.
-    Civil society made a direct call to the OAS to continue this initiative.
 

A document analyzing the results of the initial phase, including relevant statistics and offering recommendations for the next phase will be published shortly.

 

Facilitating social actors' participation
through the use of ICTs


The Summits Virtual Platform (SVP) was launched to expand opportunities for participation in the Summits Process through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

 

From September 2008 to February 2009 the Organization of American States (OAS), through the Summits Secretariat, carried out a series of consultations and virtual dialogue with civil society and other social actors in preparation for the Fifth Summit of the Americas. Each forum focused on one of the main themes of the Draft Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain and was undertaken in coordination with other OAS Departments.

After each forum, the Summits Secretariat produced a summary report and channeled it to representatives of the OAS’ Member States for their consideration during the negotiation process of the Declaration of Commitment, endorsed by the Heads of State and Government at the Fifth Summit of the Americas (Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, April 17-19, 2009). The OAS/SAS plans to continue fostering enhanced participation by social actors in multi-lateral processes through the expansion and upgrading of the Summit Virtual Platform and other similar tools.

Read more about the SVP here


How can you contribute to meeting the Summit Mandates?

    
 Source: Digital Town Hall Of the Americas, United States, State Department

 

Civil Society calls for the continuation of Virtual Fora: Civil Society Hemispheric Forum in Preparation for the OAS General Assembly and the Fifth Summit of the Americas


On March 3 and 4, 2009, more than 100 civil society participants from the hemisphere met at the OAS Headquarters, to formulate recommendations for the XXXIX OAS General Assembly and the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which will be held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in June 2009 and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in April 2009, respectively.

We are pleased to highlight item 6 under the theme “Strengthening of civil society participation in OAS activities and the Summits of the Americas Process”

“We call for the continuation of the OAS Virtual Forum as an ongoing instrument for network and discussion of issues across the hemisphere by Civil Society.”

To refer to all recommendations made by civil society and other related documents, please visit: http://www.civil-society.oas.org 

 

SVP User opinion-poll
Some of the results of a post-user survey:

 

“The SVP virtual fora has improved my understanding of the Summits Process”

 “Agree” or
“Strongly Agree”
90%
 

  

 


 

 

“The SVP facilitated participation of civil society and other social actors in the Summits Process”

 

 

 “Agree” or
“Strongly Agree”
83%

 

To view all of the findings and conclusions of the survey, please click here.

 
 

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Registration is closed

Civil Society Virtual Forum in preparation for the 39th OAS General Assembly
From May 18 to 21, 2009
Compendium Virtual Forum

For additional information on this virtual forum please click here. 

 

OAS Radio Interview
 Click here to listen

 

 

Pre-Summit Fora
September 2008  February 2009

  
 

 

 
• Virtual Gender Forum
 Executive Summary
• Promoting Human Prosperity
 Final Report
• Promoting Energy Security  
Final Report

• Promoting Environmental Sustainability
 Final Report

• Strengthening Public Security & Democratic Governance 
Final Report

*All reports submitted for the consideration of OAS member States.

  
 


FORA: Calendar and Documents

  
 

Who are the users of the Summits VP?

  
 

Find out in our updated version of the SVP User report


 Find out here

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This mechanism transcends boarders, facilitates and makes communication more affordable and allows users to share experiences”

 

 Anonymous Survey

SVP registered users


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The SVP is a joint effort of the Summits of the Americas Secretariat and the OAS/SEDI Department of Human Development -through the Educational Portal of the Americas, with the support of the Institute for Connectivity in the Americas / International Development Research Centre(IDRC/ICA).


 

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