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Business Action to Support the Information Society
BASIS
WHAT IS BASIS?
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) created the BASIS initiative,
with the support of companies and business associations, to raise awareness
among the public, governments, civil society, intergovernmental organizations
and the Internet technical community of what business requires to continue
contributing to the development of the information society.
ICC BASIS plays an important role by representing the views of global
business at world forums dealing with the information society, where policies
and programmes are discussed on critical issues with wide-ranging impact
on business. Such issues include Internet governance and using information
and communications technologies (ICTs) as engines of economic growth
and social development. BASIS draws upon the consensus built policy
positions and practice recommendations developed by the ICC Commission
on the Digital Economy, and was created as an outreach and advocacy
vehicle for business.
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HELPING TO BUILD AN INCLUSIVE
INFORMATIONSOCIETY
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) created Business Action to
Support the Information Society (BASIS) in 2006. BASIS serves as the voice
of global business in the international dialogue that has emerged on how
information and communication technologies (ICTs) can better serve as
engines of economic growth and socialdevelopment.
Research has shown that ICTs are major drivers of the global economy.
ICTs and the Internet are important tools that improve the lives of people
and boost the economic performance of countries andcompanies.
BASIS works with members who are both users and providers of ICTs
and electronic services from developed and developingcountries.
BASIS advocacy draws on the experience of ICC members, the work of the
ICC Commission on the Digital Economy and non-ICC member companies
and associations. Through BASIS, Digital Economy policy positions are used
to champion business priorities and interests at global forums on Internet
governance and other ICT issues.
BASIS is a strong supporter of the multistakeholder approach to Internet and
ICT policy matters because it leads to informed policy-making and decisions.
For more information on BASIS please visit:
www.iccwbo.org/basis
GOALS AND ACTIVITIES
BASIS builds upon the network and experience gained during the UN World
Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), Geneva 2003 and Tunis 2005.
BASIS continues to represent business at the post-WSIS global meetings
related to Internet governance, ICTs and the information society, sharing
business experiences and safeguarding business interests in promoting
commercial, economic and social development. These meetings include the
Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the WSIS action lines Forum and follow-up
process within the UN system, notably via the UN Commission on Science
and Technology for Development (CSTD). BASIS members actively contribute
to the work of the IGF multistakeholder advisory group, and special working
groups such as the CSTD working group on IGF improvements and the
working group on enhanced cooperation. BASIS is also actively engaged in
the WSIS +10 review process and events.
BASIS works with governments, civil society, intergovernmental and Internet
technical organizations, and the public to ensure the necessary legal and
policy frameworks are created so business can help to spread the benets
of the information society more widely across the world.
In todays increasingly globalized world, the Internet continues to be a force
for positive change, creating unparalleled possibilities for economic growth
and social opportunity wherever its impact is felt. We need to continue to
build a unied approach to Internet policy development if we are to achieve
these social and economic benets. That is why, at this critical point in Internet
governance, the global business community, through the ICC BASIS initiative,
is committed to continue to advance and strengthen the key multistakeholder
processes and the open debate that are so important in shaping decisions
that will bring these benets of the Internet to the next billion people.
Ilham A. Habibie
BASIS Chair and President Director PT. Ilthabi Rekatama
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Through BASIS and the ICC Commission on the Digital Economy, ICC
coordinates and contributes to the work of the Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Asia-Pacic Economic
Cooperation (APEC), the Council of Europe and the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ICC also works with
several UN agencies, including the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU), the UN Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In this role,
ICC also functions as an important interlocutor and through ICC, these
agencies are able to share their concerns with the global business community.
ICC BASIS, as a highly-respected voice of the global business
community on Internet and ICT policy issues, has long been a
valued partner of the Internet Society. ICC BASIS shares the
Internet Societys strong view that an open, transparent, and
multistakeholder approach to Internet governance is necessary
to ensure the Internet continues to expand and evolve for the
benet of all people throughout the world.
Kathy Brown
President and CEO, Internet Society (ISOC)
Comprising companies and associations from across sectors and
geographies, BASIS provides business expertise and speaks out on
a wide range of critical issues relating to ICTs and the Internet including:
Internet governance issues, including data protection, privacy, security,
communications infrastructure, and coordination and technical
management of the Internet
Telecoms liberalization
Cloud computing
ICTs and environmental sustainability
Freedom of expression and the free ow of information on the Internet
Lawful intercept requirements/law enforcement access to company data
Innovation and entrepreneurship
ICTs for development
Mobile broadband spectrum
Internet backbone interconnection agreements
Adverse efects of discriminatory taxes on telecommunicationsservices
Workshops and events: From cloud computing, data protection and
managing security issues to digital convergence, ICC BASIS organizes
a range of workshops and conferences to keep pace with current issues
relating to ICTs and the Internet. ICC BASIS is also an active contributor
and organizer of key discussion opportunities on multistakeholder
principles and enhanced cooperation.
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WHAT BASIS DOES POST-WSIS
BASIS identies business positions and priorities, and works with other
stakeholders around the world on Internet governance and ICT for
development issues. BASIS shares this output and proles members ICT-
oriented initiatives in the WSIS follow-up and implementationprocesses.
INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM (IGF)
The IGF is a unique, inclusive platform for frank and open discussion on
Internet governance issues.
BASIS members have actively participated in the IGF since 2006 when it was
rst set up to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices in
relation to accelerating the availability and afordability of the Internet in the
developing world. BASIS raises awareness of what business needs in order
to continue to contribute to the development of the information society,
particularly through more informed policychoices.
ICC BASIS has successfully contributed
to raising Internet governance
awareness among the Egyptian business
community and has supported the
government of Egypt in its eforts to
engage the local business community
in the international dialogue on Internet
governance and the IGF process.
Government of Egypt, host of the IGF 2009
BASIS ACTIVITIES
Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
Athens, Greece, 2006
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2007
Hyderabad, India, 2008
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 2009
Vilnius, Lithuania, 2010
Nairobi, Kenya, 2011
Baku, Azerbaijan, 2012
Bali, Indonesia, 2013
Istanbul, Turkey, 2014
Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance
(NETmundial)
So Paulo, Brazil, 2014
UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)
CSTD, Geneva, 2006
CSTD-GAID (Global Alliance for ICT and Development), Geneva, 2007
CSTD, Geneva, 2008
CSTD, Geneva, 2009
CSTD, Geneva, 2010
CSTD Chairs working group on IGF improvements, 2011
CSTD, Geneva, 2011
CSTD, Geneva, 2012
CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation, 2013
CSTD, Geneva, 2013
CSTD, Geneva, 2014
CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation, 2014
ICTs: Drivers of economic development
Dubai, UAE, 2007, under the patronage of Sheikha Lubna, Minister of
Economy, UAE organized by:
ICC Commission on the Digital Economy
Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS)
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. International (TAGI)
Information Technology International (TAGITI)
Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce
World Information Society Day
Every year (17 May)
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Action Lines Forum, every year
WSIS +10 review, Paris, 2013
WSIS Open Consultation Process, 2013-2014
WSIS +10 High-Level Event, Geneva, 2014
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
Contributed to various events and initiatives 2007-2009
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SUPPORTING MULTISTAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE
BASIS facilitates the exchange of ideas, real-life experiences and points of
view with other stakeholders, ensuring all angles are considered when ICTs
and the Internet are discussed at an international level.
HOW BASIS SERVES THE WIDER WORLD
Businesses invest in countries where they expect to receive a reasonable
return on investment. BASIS ofers expertise and advice to government, civil
society and other concerned parties on how to put in place an investment-
friendly framework, and how to create the right conditions to further
a common aim, such as widening access to technology or improving
network security.
Government plays a major role in setting up a legal and regulatory
environment that will stimulate investment and so bring the information
societys benets to more people. Working with business, government
can ensure these investments are made, nd ways to spur innovation and
entrepreneurship and help local rms provide the tools and services that
underpin the development of the information society.
Business understands the importance of maintaining the
security, stability, resilience and functionality of the Internet.
We also know that globally accepted voluntary standards are
essential in maintaining the Internet as a exible, responsive,
and interoperable platform for innovation. By championing
these priorities, we can bring the benets of the Internet to
an increasing number of people.
John Danilovich
Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce
BASIS VALUES AND THE WSIS PRINCIPLES
BASIS believes the right environment must exist in order to build an
information society for the good of all.
We recognize that attracting investment in ICTs has depended crucially
upon an enabling environment, including good governance at all levels, and a
supportive, transparent and pro-competitive policy and regulatory framework,
reecting national realities. (Source: WSIS Tunis Agenda, paragraph 16.)
BASIS is committed to a culture of cooperation and to the fundamentals set
out in the WSIS commitments.
We recognize that Internet governance, carried out according to the
Geneva principles, is an essential element for a people-centred, inclusive,
development-oriented and non-discriminatory information society.
Furthermore, we commit ourselves to the stability and security of the Internet
as a global facility and to ensuring the requisite legitimacy of its governance,
based on the full participation of all stakeholders, from both developed and
developing countries, within their respective roles and responsibilities.
(WSIS Tunis Agenda, paragraph 31.)
BASIS is a conduit for business to bring its talent, energy and resources to
bear on the issues at hand, so the right foundations are laid to spread the
benets of the information society to more countries and more people.
We have been privileged to receive such great support
from ICC BASIS members for our national and regional IGF
processes. Collaboration with all stakeholders is important for
us as we aim for ICT-enabled growth and development. Having
a body of global business leaders ICC BASIS willing to share
ideas about the opportunities and challenges of Internet and
development has beeninvaluable.
Alice Munyua
Former Chair, Internet Governance Forum 2011 Organizing Committee, Kenya
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BASIS supports the full participation of all stakeholders from around the
world on an equal footing in discussions about Internet governance globally,
regionally and nationally. Business is ready and willing to make this a reality
with partners from all stakeholder groups.
We emphasize that any Internet governance approach should be inclusive
and responsive and should continue to promote an enabling environment for
innovation, competition and investment.
(WSIS Tunis Agenda, paragraph 62.)
We encourage the development of multi-stakeholder processes at the
national, regional and international levels to discuss and collaborate on the
expansion and difusion of the Internet as a means to support development
eforts to achieve internationally agreed development goals and objectives,
including the Millennium Development Goals.
(WSIS Tunis Agenda, paragraph 80.)
Multistakeholder discussions are vital to addressing Internet governance
and ICT for development issues. BASIS input contributes diversity to global
forums and has proven to be invaluable in convincing governments of just
how important these issues are.
Anriette Esterhuysen
Executive Director, Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
ICC BASIS AND ENHANCED COOPERATION
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Tunis, November 2005,
Tunis Agenda outlined the establishment of an Internet Governance Forum
(IGF) and enhanced cooperation amongst the existing organizations that
address Internet-related issues.
Enhanced cooperation refers to greater cooperation among existing
organizations.
The IGF itself is undergoing continuous improvement as it moves into its 9th
global IGF meeting. The discussions on enhanced cooperation originate from
the Tunis Agenda that any enhanced cooperation will involve all stakeholders
in their respective roles, and such cooperation must, of course, be fully
consistent with the WSIS mandate that Internet governance be multilateral,
transparent and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the
private sector, civil society and international organizations.
From a business perspective, enhanced cooperation can only be achieved
by following the principle of inclusiveness in all relevantdiscussions.
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Internet governance and Internet-related public policies discussions benet
from the participation of all countries and stakeholders in an inclusive and
creative process. In the IGF and other international fora, it has been a privilege
to have the contribution of ICC BASIS, due to its solid commitment to economic
and social development. Brazil views ICC BASIS as a partner in strengthening
the multistakeholdermodel.
Government of Brazil, host country of the IGF 2007
BASIS COMMUNICATIONS
Intergovernmental organizations and governments
BASIS has direct access to governments in over 85 countries through ICCs
national afliates and BASIS members networks.
Media
BASIS raises awareness on how business can help and what conditions are
needed for business to continue investing in technologies and infrastructures
through ongoing media campaigns.
United Nations
BASIS is the most authoritative voice of world business at UN forums and
UN agencies where development of the Internet and ICTs are key topics.
International forums and events
BASIS is active at the IGF and post-WSIS conferences on subjects including
digital economy issues, enabling frameworks for ICTs, Internet governance,
and entrepreneurship.
FURTHERING GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
BASIS contributes to global undertakings designed to increase access
to the Internet and ICTs. This will not only create wealth and jobs, but
aid in the difusion of knowledge, support public authorities in providing
education and training, and contribute to greater freedom and democracy.
BASIS membership provides a number of benets:
Updated information about the ongoing global discussions on Internet
governance and ICTs for development (IGF, CSTD andothers)
Opportunities to recommend speakers and experts to participate in global,
regional and national events and working groups
Company or association prole with logo on ICC BASIS website
and communication materials
Engagement with other members from across sectors and geographies
and opportunities to interact with representatives from governments,
international organizations, the Internet technical community and
civil society
Participation in BASIS meetings with governments and other stakeholders
and business briengs held at the IGF and othermeetings
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HOW TO JOIN
For information on how to join BASIS, visit www.iccwbo.org/basis, or contact:
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
ICC is the largest, most representative business organization in the
world. Its hundreds of thousands of member companies in over 130
countries have interests spanning every sector of private enterprise.
A world network of national committees keeps the ICC International
Secretariat in Paris informed about national and regional business
priorities. More than 2,000 experts drawn from ICCs member
companies feed their knowledge and experience into crafting
the ICC stance on specic business issues.
The United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G20 and many
other intergovernmental bodies, both international and regional, are
kept in touch with the views of international business through ICC.
For more information visit: www.iccwbo.org
Constance Weise
Policy Manager
Digital Economy/BASIS
T +33 (0)1 49 53 33 89
E constance.weise@iccwbo.org
Anna Katharina Moellers
Assistant
Digital Economy/BASIS
T +33 (0)1 49 53 29 18
E anna-katharina.moellers@iccwbo.org
Some photos courtesy of Anders Halvorsen,
Director of Public Policy, World Information and
Technology and Services Association (WITSA)
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