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Plans proceeding smoothly for 2001 Global Public Policy Conference

By IT Public Relations
Johannesburg, 23 Nov 2000

Plans for the hosting of the Global Public Policy conference (GPP), to be held in Cape Town in September 2001 are proceeding smoothly, reports Information Industry South Africa (IISA) president Adrian Schofield. The GPP is one of the world conferences arranged by the World IT and Services Alliance (WITSA), of which the IISA is the South African representative member.

"This will be the second WITSA GPP conference, following the successful launch of the inaugural event in 1999 in Buenos Aires Argentina, and the first to be held on the African continent," Schofield continues. "The African venue is particularly fitting for the theme for the conference - Addressing the Digital Divide."

"The theme refers to the polarising effect digital technology has on developing economies," he continues. "As technology permeates every aspect of our lives in the modern world, it is increasingly affecting the lives of those in developing countries, even though it may be less apparent. It is clear that in most instances advances in IT and communications are widening the gap between first and third world countries and between the "haves" and the "have nots" in populations. This conference will examine the developments in technology and in particular the growth in the Internet and e-commerce. The aim of the conference is to bring together a cross-section of people from government, business and organised labour to address the requirements for establishing and implementing effective public policy."

An exhibition of products and services will also take place alongside the conference, offering suppliers` exposure to the high profile and prestigious group of delegates attending the conference. A range of sponsorship opportunities is available for suppliers.

Those wishing to submit papers to the conference should notify the organising committee by no later than 28 February 2001. The deadline for the submission of papers is 15 April 2001.

"With expressions of support from government, including the Department of Communications, SITA and the Western Cape provincial government, everything is set for a highly successful GPP conference in 2001. This bodes well for the hosting of future world conferences in South Africa," Schofield concludes.

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Information Industry South Africa

Information Industry South Africa, an ICT umbrella body formed in October 1999, provides a co-ordinated forum for the industry to address issues of common interest and is an effective channel of communication with Government, particularly in relation to the issues of overlapping ICT related programmes and projects in the country. IISA promotes an understanding of the value that ICT can contribute to improving the quality of life of the South African population.

Information and communications technology specialists need a forum where regional, national and international information networks and associations can meet, exchange ideas and formulate common policies.

Although the members have different interests, all share the need for a healthy ICT industry in South Africa. Information Industry South Africa will provide the facilities to give a more streamlined network to develop resources, exchange accurate information, and improve the understanding of the various issues in the ICT industry.

Information Industry South Africa also works to attract international conferences and exhibitions to South Africa.

Member organisations of Information Industry South Africa:

  • The Black IT Forum (BITF)
  • The Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA)
  • The Electronic Commerce Association of South Africa (ECASA)
  • The Electronic Industries Federation (EIF)
  • The South African Value Added Networks Service Providers Association (SAVA)
  • The Local Office of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP)
  • CompTIA
  • The ISETT Sector Education & Training Authority
  • The IT Association (ITA) incorporating the IT Users Council (ITUC)
  • The National IT Forum (NITF)
  • The South African Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC)
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