Abstracts
Keynote Speakers
President Jose Maria Figueres Olsen 
Director, World Economic Forum and Chairman of the ICT Task Force of the UN Secretary General 
Web-Management for International Organisations - Trends, Challenges & Opportunities
Dr. Eduardo Gelbstein, former director, United Nations International Computing Centre 
Mr. Guido Maccari, head, Information Technology and Network Services, OECD
Ancient navigators gazed up at stars and often lost their way - we now look at satellites to guide us. Nomads and messengers travelled for weeks seeking to find food and shelter, or to deliver crucial messages - we now travel on Internet to order hotels and food, or to exchange information. What different course would history have taken had laser beams guided the weapons of ancient warriors? Perhaps they had a vision of it, but lacked the cyberspace. 
Although the electric telegraph took us along the first steps into cyberspace in the mid-1800s, never before in the history of humanity it was possible for international affairs to rely on a common world-wide interaction system. And never before in its history has the United Nations disposed of such a system to help carry out its global mandate. An in-depth study in the 70s of the UN means to sustain an effective role in peace diplomacy summed it up as "Diplomacy by the phone-booth". 
Just one generation later, such a global system is here and the UN in-depth study is hopefully obsolete. Internet brings together common digital roads and intersections, common electronic wheels and brakes, and common hardware and software. 
Although still much a frontierland, full of possibilities yet to be developed and also plagued by problems and cyberthreats, Internet has revolutionised the dynamics of interaction, bringing unparalleled opportunities for international cooperation. 
Much of the vision, strategy and responsibility to act on it rests with the ICT community and, particularly, with Web management. Investments are significant, but can be shared to become more attractive and bearable - especially within the UN System of International Organisations and Specialised Agencies. 
With 140,000 active and former staff working and living in all countries, 70,000 troops and civilians engaged in 50 peace-keeping operations, 200 governments, thousands of NGOs and numerous other groups of interest, and 500 million "Internet literate" people, no other international institution or company can benefit from the Internet as can the UN System. The question is: to what extent has it succeeded in doing so?
The answer is: it has done many good things but, at the same time, it is still "scratching the surface" of a land of tremendous opportunities.

This opening presentation will highlight: 
· What some international organisations have achieved so far with Internet; 
· How far international cooperation can benefit from Internet for effective information exchange, interaction and action; 
· Some key trends in cyberspace not to missed; 
· The major pitfalls that should be avoided or minimised. 

Some examples will be provided of how the UN System can benefit from exploiting to the fullest extent the enormous potential the "Internet model" offers, including: 
· Facilitating coordination and monitoring in peace-keeping operations 
· Improving interaction with governments 
· Raising public awareness on world front-burner issues; 
· Fostering multi-cultural dialog to further understanding and promote peace; 
· Dramatically improving efficiency in the management and administration across the complex matrix of headquarters, regional and field offices, and among agencies. 
Web Management in International Organisations
Building.org - A Guide to Creating Successful Websites for International Organisations
Mr. Michal Olejarnik, electronic publishing co-ordinator & internet editor, NATO
This presentation, based on a recently published book, will focus on the management of web projects in international organisations. The success of an international organisation's websites often hinges on key management issues such as correctly defining responsibilities between departments, good content and information flow, and proper development strategy. The presentation will focus on creating the right set-up for a successful website, choosing between outsourcing and in-house development, defining responsibilities, creating a development strategy, getting the right skills on board, determining the right content and the day-to-day management of a large organisational website.
DiploWeb Methodology for Managing Websites of International Organisations
Mr. Jovan Kurbalija, director, DiploProjects 
The DiploWeb methodology includes all of the activities and techniques surrounding the planning, development and maintenance of websites for international organisations, including technology technology, graphic design and information management. Often the "make or break" element of a web-project is related to the successful interaction among different professional cultures. The main focus of this presentation will be on this overlap between technology and diplomacy. Although there is no single "correct"' way to develop and maintain a good website, this presentation offers some guidelines for web-management and its potential problems and pitfalls based on extensive experience in the field. 
A practical application of a methodology for the development of complex websites
Ms. Antonella Quacchia, head, Web Policy and Development Unit (WEBDEV) International Labour Organization
Web engineering is a rapidly emerging discipline aiming at the definition of a systematic approach to the development of web systems and applications using traditional engineering methodologies to the specificities of the web. The essence of web engineering is to successfully manage the diversity and complexity of web development, therefore, limiting potential failures that can have serious impact on an organisation. Typically, several key attributes of quality web-based systems, such as navigation, accessibility, usability, scalability, maintainability, security and reliability are not given enough consideration during development. Web applications also tend not to address cultural, social and legal aspects. In this context, web engineering provides a methodological framework to minimize risks and enhance the website quality.  The ILO has recently employed web engineering techniques in the redesign of its Intranet site and will share the experience gained with the methodology.
Security of Websites of International Organisations
Managing Information Security 
Dr. Eduardo Gelbstein, former director, United Nations International Computing Centre 
Everyone is aware by now that information security is an issue that is not going to go away in a hurry. This presentation focuses on the threats that organisations face and the possible security incidents the manager responsible for security could face in any organisation. Specifically:
· Who are the information security players? (good guys, special guys and bad guys);
· The three kind of offences: against access, networks and data;
· Computers as a target, as a weapon and as a tool for cyber-crime or worse.
The Challenges, Complexities and Realities: Lessons Learned from Managing Information Security Services with International Organisations
Mr. Jason Bellone, head, Information Security and Assurance Program of the World Health Organisation
Mrs. Lilia Vogt, senior information security officer, World Intellectual Property Organisation
The work of international organisations is knowledge- and information-intensive. The mission and operations of international organisations depend on reliable world-wide information and communications infrastructures (ICT). The increasing reliance on ICT systems calls for a strategic and operational effort to ensure the security and assurance of the valued resources. Therefore, information security and assurance policies, standards, guidance, procedures, and practices should become a cornerstone of all strategic and operational directions taken in the delivery of information services - to provide for a robust and durable quality of service to the mission. This presentation describes the lessons learned in  two United Nations specialised agencies. The approaches of the World Intellectual Property Organisation  and the World Health Organisation, while different, are complementary and illustrate the depth of effort required to "secure and assure" well functioning ICT resources.
Protecting Web Servers from DoS/DDoS Flooding Attacks
Dr. Noureldien Abdelrahman, College of Technological Sciences Omdurman, Sudan
Recently many prominent web sites face a new type of denial of service attack known as Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDoS). Organizations deploying security measures such as firewalls, and intrusion detection systems could face the traditional DoS attack. Yet there is no complete solution neither for protection from DDoS attack, nor for preserving network hosts from participating in such an attack. 
This paper explains how DoS/DDoS attacks are launched and discuses the different proposed solutions that aimed to protect Web Servers from the attack or to minimize its effect. These solutions spreads over the organization's entire Internet infrastructure, that includes boarder routers, firewalls, active monitors, load balancer, and the target host/server. 
Web and Operations of International Organisations
Network for International Co-operation : Leveraging the Internet Model
 Mr. Ian Hunter, head, Network Information Services Division, OECD 
The Internet has laid out a new and irreversible model for cross-border communication/exchange among all peoples. 
Countries cooperate with each other through many channels: bilateral, multilateral and specialised links - resulting in a complex grid of networks. To effectively support the many delicate phases of the "cooperation business", some of these networks must be well protected. For most countries, the cost of developing and managing their own multilateral/multipurpose networks would be prohibitive - indeed, very few can afford it.

Increasingly, countries have forged international organisations to deliver cooperation on their behalf - they place these organisations at the centre of their networks. In the last 50 years, many international organisations have mastered the complexity of intergovernmental cooperation and have developed effective networks.
By exploiting the Internet, these organisations are best placed today to evolve their secretariats into e-highways and e-cross-roads for peace and cooperation. Eventually, countries and international organisations together could benefit enormously from sharing a common-purpose "Intergovernmental Cooperation Network". 
This presentation explores how far we are from this ideal and what could be the model for such a global network, what could it offer, and how could it operate.
Leveraging the Internet to Enhance the European Democratic Debate:
 A Case Study of Online Community Building
Jeremy Jurgens associate director, Technology Intergration, World Economic Forum
Gregory Bernarda, knowledge manager, World Economic Forum
Organisations often see online communities as a way to deepen the involvement of existing stakeholders and introduce new ones to their activities. Yet, it takes more than the creation of a website to engage people and organizations often lack the ingredients necessary for success. What are those ingredients? How should they be put together to engage a particular audience? How can participation be maintained?
In early 2002, the World Economic Forum had to answer these questions when it launched the Bridging Europe initiative in order to address the growing scepticism Europeans show towards their decision makers and the system that governs them. The project team selected a 1,000 young Europeans (aged 18-25) to participate in an online debate involving key decision-makers with the desired final outcome to draft a European constitution of the youth. 
This presentation will build on this experience to show how the connectivity and interactivity of the Internet can be leveraged to overcome geographical, hierachical and sectoral barriers and contribute to online community building.
The UNDP's Experience in Distance Learning through the Virtual Development Academy
Ms. Samina Kamal, Manager, UNDP Virtual Development Academy
The Virtual Development Academy (VDA) was established in 2001 to enhance the skills and competencies of the UNDP’s 800 international and 600 national professional staff located in 136 country offices worldwide in several key UNDP practice areas (poverty eradication, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and environment, gender, HIV/AIDS) as well as in other personal skills such as leadership, communications and negotiation. The VDA provides distance learning through electronic means using a blended approach of asynchronous and facilitated online courses.

As the VDA completed its first year of operations in July 2002, with nearly 100 staff achieving formal certification for the completion of their subjects and work related assignments, the UNDP conducted a full evaluation of all aspects of their courses, methodologies and deliverables.
The evaluation confirmed what the feedback from participants and facilitators had already revealed: e-learning is an effective mechanism to develop the skills and competencies of adult working professionals, to create communities of interest and to establish sustainable cross-sectoral networks within the organisation. 
This presentation will concentrate on the lessons learned and how these will be applied to the second year of operation and beyond. 
Web Policy & International Organisations
The OECD Website: Assessment and Next Steps
Ms. Catherine Habib, counsellor, Knowledge Management and Internet Strategy OECD

The new OECD website has successfully met many of its objectives for implementing a new information management strategy for public online information using a decentralised platform based on learning and quality control: intellectual production has been 'categorised' so that the information posted on the website can be structured, indexed and easily searchable; the writing style is more effective; the public can access an increased amount of current and timely information; new areas of OECD expertise (such as country reviews) are now identified and information is targeted to users' needs. Visitors statistics, traffic analysis and benchmarking with other sites demonstrate the new site's success. Furthermore, it mirrors the organisation's will for transparency and communication with the outside and is now a major contributor to building the OECD's reputation as a respected reference and educating institution.
Although the infrastructure exists, much remains to be done. The quality of information [ ] on the site must continue to improve. Coverage of the work of the OECD community should be extended. Bilingualism must be enforced. Collective theme management should be refined. New, interactive features must be implemented and content should be more tailored to users' groups. Finally, the website must continue to decipher OECD work for the general public and explain its relevance for global governance.
UN Web Policy  
Mr. Jerry L. Barton, advisor for ICT chief executives board -United Nations System of Organisations 

Since 1984, organizations have used the Internet - first just for email, then as a novel information dissemination medium, and now as an information gathering and publishing tool. The two dozen organizations in the UN System have over 15 million pages of information available on the Web, and operate over two hundred Web servers.
Web services have been developed by talented, dedicated people - most of whom did this work in their own time during the early 1990s. Now organizations have realized that the potential of the Web can be best realized through organization-wide coordinated use. Policies are being developed in three areas - information management, appropriate use and information security. There are no overall policies for the UN System, since organizations' policies rightly reflect the individual goals and structures of each organization. 
This paper illustrates the developments in policy areas by citing best practices that have been developed at organizations throughout the UN System.
Other Issues
World Summit on the Information Society Initiative
Mr. Pierre Gagné Executive Director, World Summit on Information Society, Switzerland
The global information society is evolving at breakneck speed. This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment. We are indeed in the midst of a revolution, perhaps the greatest that humanity has ever experienced. To benefit the world community, the successful and continued growth of this new dynamic requires global discussion and harmonization in appropriate areas.
The World Summit on the Information Society will provide a unique opportunity for all key stakeholders to assemble at a high-level gathering and to develop a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the international community.
The Summit aims to bring together Heads of State, Executive Heads of United Nations agencies, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, media representatives and civil society in a single high-level event. 
The roles of the various partners, especially that of International Organisations in ensuring smooth coordination of the practical establishment of the information society around the globe will also be at the heart of the Summit and its preparation.
The anticipated outcome of the Summit is to develop and foster a clear statement of political will and a concrete plan of action for achieving the goals of the Information Society, while fully reflecting all the different interests at stake. The scope and nature of this ambitious project will require partnerships with public and private entities, and such partnerships will be actively sought in the coming months. 
The Role of the Internet in Negotiations and Treaties 
Mr. Harold "Will" Bashor, American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy, Paris
Countries negotiate multilateral treaties in order to respond collectively to issues that they have not been able to solve without institutional support. However, the current system of treaty-making is not effective due to the proliferation of players and the uneven playing ground.
This presentation aims to provoke a discussion about facilitating and improving multilateral treaty-making with today’s information technology. Despite such problems as fraud, terrorism, and security breaches, the World Wide Web is far from powerless in such a setting. By formulating some tentative general propositions, this presentation suggests that the Internet can enhance the process of making treaties as well facilitate adherence to them. 
UNESCO - Collaborative Knowledge Portal Project
Mme Pelissier acting head, Information Technology - UNESCO
Since 1995, UNESCO has managed a huge Internet site that quickly became a strategic communication tool for the organisation as a whole. This web is a mosaic of thematic, often dynamic sites, built with various tools based on PHP or ASP. It will progressively migrate into a collaborative knowledge portal enabling virtual communities to participate in UNESCO activities and programmes. This portal will integrate all sub-portals as well as existing thematic webs. Main functionalities will be : cross-searching, cross-referencing, discussion forums , collaborative tools and personalisation. This presentation will summarise the feasibility study and the roadmap outline the conceptual and technical architecture of the portal based on a modular approach, and discuss the choice of commercial or open source software.