Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9602151057.A23512-0100000@info.lanic.utexas.edu> Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 10:05:11 -0600 From: Grete Pasch <mailto:gpasch@INFO.LANIC.UTEXAS.EDU> Subject: Fifth Permanent Forum on Latin American and Caribbean Networks To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Please direct all inquiries to: Maria Saenz <mailto:msaenz@amauta.rcp.net.pe> Gracias!INVITATION
FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM ON LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS
Lima, Peru April 1996
The participating institutions in the construction of the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Internet have developed with great effort the basis of a networking infrastructure and culture in this region. Much of this effort has been supported to a large degree by certain individuals and international organizations.
Four years after our first meeting in Rio de Janeiro, sponsored by the RedHUCyT project of the Organization of American States (OAS) and by different national organizations, most of the non-profit, national and academic networks have matured considerably.
Meanwhile, the Internet is rapidly changing and has become a hot topic. Many national telephone carriers (PTTs) are now involved in this new market.
It is in this context that we, as a region, believe that it is necessary to seize the opportunities and face the problems that will become present in the following years. It is urgent, as said by the Uruguayan Ida Holz, to "be one step ahead of the great changes".
Taking these ideas into account the Red Cientifica Peruana (RCP), along with all of the non-profit, national and academic networks, cordially invites you to participate in the FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM OF LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS that will take place during April 14-19, 1996 in Lima, Peru.
The objectives of this Forum are the following:
- Prepare LAC to act together in future worldwide events where decisions are taken that affect the future of its Internet. As a result of this, we will prepare ourselves for INET 96 in Montreal and for the Sixth Permanent Forum, which will take place in Santiago de Chile the following September.
- Decide about the formation of a formal body that will encourage LAC's Internet development. At the same time the future role of the Permanent Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Networks will be discussed.
- Examine ways in which networks turn into agents of social, cultural and economic change in LAC.
- Exchange information about the latest technical and policy changes related to the LAC Internet.
This Forum will focus on the following:
- ACCOUNTABILITY TO END-USERS. Networks and PTTs do not have any intrinsic value. Rather, their value is based on the extent to which they can provide high quality, accessible services and be held accountable to end-users.
- WIDE PARTICIPATION. All the actors involved in the development of the LAC Internet will participate in this Forum. In contrast to its predecessors, where only network administrators participated, we are now inviting representatives of PTTs, end users and international experts.
Moreover, the organization of this Forum will be done exclusively by the Red Cientifica Peruana, but rather by an international Organizing Committee, integrated by the following people:
Estela Barone mailto:ebarone@secyt.gov.ar Coordinator RECyT Red Cientifica y Tecnologica Nacional Assistant Secretary on Informatics and Development of the Presidency of Argentina
Ida Holz mailto:holz@seciu.uy Director Servicio Central de Informatica de la Universidad de la Republica de Uruguay
Karin Delgadillo mailto:karin@clai.ecx.ec President Ecuanex
Saul Hahn mailto:shahn@umd5.umd.edu Coordinator of Basic Sciences and Networks Organization of American States (OAS)
Ing. Jesus Martinez Alfonso mailto:jemar@ceniai.cu Director CENIAI Cuba
Luis German Rodriguez L. mailto:lgrodrig@conicit.ve Professor Universidad Central de Venezuela
Maria Saenz mailto:msaenz@amauta.rcp.net.pe Coordinator V Foro Red Cientifica Peruana
Jose Soriano mailto:js@rcp.net.pe General Manager Red Cientifica Peruana- Internet Peru
Amalia Souza mailto:apcadmin@ax.apc.org Assistant Coordinator International Secretariat Asociacion para el Progreso de las Comunicaciones
Florencio Utreras mailto:futretas@reuna.cl Red Universitaria Nacional (REUNA) Chile
Edmundo Vitale mailto:evitale@faces.ula.ve Coordinator REDULA Venezuela
I. FORUM STAGES
The Forum is divided into three stages: a LAC Internet strategic planning workshop, a paper presentation session about seven current topics, and a closing ceremony, in which the future of the Peruvian Internet will be discussed. In the first stage, a group of multidisciplinary Internet experts will participate and will be responsible for disseminating the results. The other two stag es are addressed to a wider audience of people interested in the LAC Internet.
The Organizing Committee will meet four days before the Forum in order to prepare a discussion document which will be the basis for the strategic planning workshop. This document will take into consideration the presentation papers sent to the Organizing Committee, following the instructions mentioned below.
I.1. LAC INTERNET STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
Networks and PTT representatives, users and experts will examine the achivements and most important problems ahead for the LAC Internet development. This group will search for regional solutions to shared needs.
The main topics of the workshop will be (footnote 1):
- PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNET SOCIETY (ISOC). During the last ISOC meeting, INET 95, the enormous changes ocurring within the Internet were a main point of discussion. Low LAC representation in the ISOC has restricted real participation of the region in ISOC's decision-making processes. There is great interest to combine our efforts in order to participate more actively in those processes.
- THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL NETWORKS. National networks, which bring together the efforts of the non-profit, academic, gubernamental, private and non-governmental sectors, have the potential to ensure the stability of Internet access to LAC's civil society. The workshop will closely examine the lessons learned by national networks, in order to define their role in the development of LAC.
- STRENGTHENING OF TIES BETWEEN NETWORKS AND PTTs. Networks and PTTs have often seen each other as competitors. This workshop will gather representatives from both sides in order to find areas in which the two can work together.
- THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT. The existance or lack of national policies and regulations on information and telecommunications have had an important impact on the Internet development. We need to understand the current state of these policies and regulations in order to find areas in which we can act, and to plan for the development of our services.
- COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE INTERNET. One of the hottest topics in 1995 has been the commercialization of the Internet. In this new context we must protect the interests of all end users.
- INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. The Internet is more than simply cables and plugs. It is a space for information exchange. We are capable of providing technical support to place Spanish- and Portuguese-language information resources on-line. The complex relationships among different information resources, and the creation of infomation about on-line information will be two important areas of work during the following years.
- LAC BACKBONE. The importance of strengthening our regional infrastructure has been widely discussed for years. One of the crucial points is the creation of a regional backbone that can provide various access points to the global Internet. Before the start of the Forum we will make available on the Web the latest backbone developments so that they can be discussed during the Forum.
- SELF-SUSTAINABILITY AND FUND RAISING. Participants will analize the alternatives for achieving financial sustainability, taking into consideration the creation of mechanisms of coordination and mutual support, as well as the role of the donor community.
- CREATION OF A PERMANENT LAC COORDINATING ENTITY. One of the most important points of this workshop will be deciding whether or not we should create an executive and coordinating body for LAC Internet development. If so, the Forum's participants will define its mission and mode of operation.
In another memo which will be sent before the start of the Forum, the Organizing Committee will offer the details of the workshop methodology, which will make use of strategic planning tools applied by professional consultants.
I.2. PAPER PRESENTATION
During two-and-a-half days, experts will present papers about several current topics. These papers may include case studies, innovative proposals and experiences that are important to share with the LAC Internet community.
Please send your papers to the Organizing Committee. The following topics are encouraged:
- POLICIES AND REGULATIONS. Changes inside the Internet force us to adapt today's policies and regulations in order to ensure the development and accessibility of its services to the LAC civil society.
- SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACT. Fast and low-cost communication and information exchange at the local, regional and global promise the emergence of a new era for humanity. The effects of the Internet are already being felt by people who work in many fields, such as health, environment, human rights, rural and urban development, as well as in the organizational culture of institutions where these individuals work and in the communities where they live.
- EDUCATION. The Internet has brought change to the educational system. Interactive distance education, the increase of creativity and the new distinctive attitude toward the use of information have all resulted from the use of the Internet.
- SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE ON THE INTERNET. Given that most information available on the Internet is in English, Latin Amerian society cannot take full advantage of this technology. Important efforts are underway to support information producers in Spanish and Portuguese in placing their resources on-line. Other persons have chosen to translate the information written in other languages into Spanish and Portuguese.
- MARKETING AND COMMERCE THROUGH THE INTERNET. Marketing through the Internet has allowed small and medium businesses to compete on more equal terms against large businesses. The way people exchange goods and services is changing at all levels. We have the opportunity to learn from the successes and failures of other countries that are investing resources to make the Internet the new global trade avenue.
- TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES. Many software and hardware innovations are being adapted to LAC and, in some cases, developed. Multimedia, information management and recovery techniques, friendly end-user interfaces lead the list. Network administrators are incorporating new protocols, designs, and other concepts into their networks.
- END-USER SUPPORT. The use of the Internet intimidates many users. In order to eliminate cultural and technical barriers we must offer user-friendly and low-cost services and training, which show users how to employ Internet tools for their own benefit and that of their community.
Please send your presentation papers according to the following instructions:
- Papers in Spanish, Portuguese and English are accepted. Please keep your papers under 2,500 words.
- Send a complete version of your paper in ASCII before March 1 1996 to the following e-mail address: <mailto:ponencias-foro@rcp.net.pe>.
- Include with your paper a summary; author's information; main contact; topic of your paper according to the above-mentioned list; and keywords. (The information on each person must include e-mail and postal addresses, as well as street address, and voice and fax numbers).
On March 8 1996, the Organizing Committee will inform you whether or not your paper has been accepted for presentation, and instructions for you to send the final version of your paper before March 12, so that it may be included in the Forum proceedings.
I.3. CLOSING CEREMONY
Decision makers in the Peruvian government, private enterprise, national and international development organizations and universities will join us for the Forum's closing session. Participants will discuss the Forum's conclusions and the creation of policies and regulations which would provide a frame of reference for the continuing development of the Peruvian Internet.
II. LOGISTICS
====================================================================== LOGISTICS: FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM ON LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS April 14-19, Lima, Peru ======================================================================
The following are the logistical aspects of the forum:
- Date and place - Application deadline - Languages - Costs - complete package - Costs - Registration only - Method of payment - Discounts - Financial support - Flight reservations - Passports and visas - Reception at the airport - Weather - Currency
IMPORTANT: CHOOSING A HOTEL: If you will be covering your hotel expenses, please inform us the hotel and type of room where you would like to stay, so that we may make the reservations before FEBRUARY 19. You will find below the information about hotels.
== DATE AND PLACE ==
STAGE DATE PLACE ======================================================================
Strategic Planning April 14-16 Jose Antonio Hotel Workshop
Paper Presentations April 17-19 Ricardo Palma Auditorium
Closing session April 19 Ricardo Palma Auditorium (afternoon)
Participants must arrive in Lima, Peru at the latest the night before the date of the stage they plan to attend.
The Jose Antonio Hotel is located at Ave. 28 de Julio No. 398, Miraflores, Lima (phone: +51 (1) 445-6870 and 446-6058; fax: 448-8295), a few blocks from the offices of the Red Cientifica Peruana (RCP). The Ricardo Palma Auditorium is located in the same building as the RCP offices are.
== APPLICATION DEADLINE == February 23 is the deadline for sending your application for this event. (At the end of this message you will find an application form). Final confirmation of your assistance must be received before March 10.
== LANGUAGES == The main languages of the event will be Spanish and Portuguese. Simultaneous translation services for English speakers will be provided.
== COSTS - COMPLETE PACKAGE ==
INCLUDED: registration, materials, accomodations, meals, and round-trip airport-hotel.
ONE STAGE (Workshop on Strategic Planning or Paper Presentation and Closing Ceremony):
Hotel Jose Antonio Se~norial* 4 stars 3 stars ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Room type Single Double Single Double ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Institutional** US$ 700 US$ 550 US$ 475 US$ 425 General US$ 800 US$ 650 US$ 575 US$ 525
ALL STAGES (Workshop on Strategic Planning, Paper Presentation and Closing Ceremony):
Hotel Jose Antonio Se~norial* 4 stars 3 stars ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Room type Single Double Single Double ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Institutional** US $ 1150 US $ 875 US $ 725 US $ 600 General US $ 1250 US $ 975 US $ 825 US $ 750
* The Hotel "Se~norial" is located on Ave. Jose Gonzales No. 567 (telefax: +51 (1) 444-5755 and 445-7306), just a few blocks from the Hotel "Jose Antonio" and the Red Cientifica Peruana.
** The Institutional category includes NGOs, academic and governmental institutions.
== COSTS - REGISTRATION ONLY ==
INCLUDED: entrance to the forum, refreshments and materials.
ONE STAGE (Workshop on Strategic Planning or Paper Presentation and Closing Ceremony):
Institutional US$ 65 (NGOs, academic and governmental institutions)
General US$ 95
ALL STAGES (Workshop on Strategic Planning, Paper Presentation and Closing Ceremony):
Institutional US$130 (NGOs, academic and governmental institutions)
General US$190
== METHOD OF PAYMENT ==
Payment can be made as follows:
- By bank transfer to the US-Dollar account 182-2-005388 of the Banco Continental del Peru, to the order of Red Cientifica Peruana. Please send receipt of the transfer by fax to Ana Maria Laca at the RCP.
- On your arrival in Peru, cash in US Dollars (or Soles in the case of local participants), or with traveler's checks in US Dollars.
== DISCOUNTS ==
Discounts shall be given to persons or institutions whose lectures have been selected by the Organizing Committee:
US$100 for all activities to the forum and US$50 for one activity.
== FINANCIAL SUPPORT ==
If you need financial support to cover the participation costs (lodging, meals, materials, and registration) and/or your airplane ticket, please send your application to the following e-mail address: <mailto:becas-foro@rcp.net.pe>. Forms may be sent also by fax or submitted in person. Your application must be supported by the executive head office of your institution, specifying the costs to be covered by you or your institution and those requiring financial support.
We will try to provide support for as many people as possible, giving priority to those who contribute with papers. FULL FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. All participants must contribute according to their possibilities.
At the beginning of March, the Organizing Committee shall give response to financial support applications.
== FLIGHT RESERVATIONS ==
All persons interested in taking part in the Fifth Forum are requested to make their flight **reservations** as soon as possible. Once the registration and financial support forms are processed by the Organizing Committee, you will be asked to purchase your tickets.
== PASSPORTS AND VISAS ==
We suggest that you verify that your passport is valid through early May 1996. Please ask the Peruvian Consulate in your country whether you need a visa to enter Peru.
== RECEPTION AT THE AIRPORT ==
A representative of the Red Cientifica Peruana will be waiting for you at the "Jorge Chavez" International Airport upon your arrival to take you to the hotel. The representative will have a sign bearing your name.
== WEATHER ==
The city of Lima is 60 meters above the sea level. The Forum will take place during the last week of Summer. Annual average temperature is 20 C, decreasing some degrees late in the afternoon and at night. Average humidity is 80%. The weather is usually sunny or cloudy, but it hardly ever rains. It gets dark by 6:30 pm. Thick winter clothes are not recommended; light jackets or cotton sweaters for evenings are enough.
== CURRENCY ==
The local currency is "Nuevo Sol" (S/.). One US dollar is equal to S/.2.33 approximately. Exchange can be made at any bank or money exchange house; there are several near the hotels and the RCP. Most banks are open until 4:00 PM (no lunch break). Many people exchange money in the street, some of the are registered. However, we do not recommend that you exchange money with them.
Many businesses and shops accept all international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners, American Express), as well as US Dollars.
If you are interested in this forum, please contact the Organizing Committee as soon as possible to make your reservation, send your lectures and receive any additional information. Maria Saenz coordinates this Committee.
Thanks to all of you who have already sent the registration form.
For any information on this forum, refer to E-mail mailto:comite-foro@rcp.net.pe Gopher gopher://gopher.rcp.net.pe WWW http://www.rcp.net.pe/VFORO Voice +51 (1) 954-4799 (new number), 241-5689 and 241-5696 Fax +51 (1) 241-1320
We are looking forward to seeing you in the Forum.
FOOTNOTES Note 1. These topics were obtained from the network administrators discussion in the electronic list <mailto:enredo@conicit.ve>.
-----------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION FORM
FIFTH PERMANENT FORUM OF LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN NETWORKS Lima, Peru April 1996
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
1.1. Last name:
1.2. First name:
1.3. Sex (m/f):
1.4. Telephone (home):
1.5. Nationality:
1.6. Languages in which you are fluent:
1.7. Smoke (yes/no):
1.8. Special food habits:
1.9. Other important information to ensure adecuate accomodations, meals, and transportion:
2. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
2.1. Name of your institution:
2.2. Position:
2.3. Postal address:
2.4. Street address:
2.5. E-mail address:
2.6. Tel:
2.7. Fax:
3. FORUM PARTICIPATION
3.1. Please mark with an "X" the Forum stages in which you plan to attend: () Strategic Planning Workshop April 14-16 () Paper Presentation April 17-19 () Closing ceremony April 19 (afternoon)
3.2. Have you applied or do you plan to apply for a partial scholarship in order to participate in this Forum (yes/no)?
If you answered YES, please indicate the expenses for which you will need financial support:
If you answered NO, please indicate the fee (hotel and room type) that you will be paying. (Refer to the fee included in the Logistics section):
3.3. Will you present a paper in the Forum (yes/no)?
If you answered YES, please indicate the title of your paper:
3.4. How did you learn about this event for the first time?
3.5. In which of the topics included in the Forum are you interested?
Please mail this form to mailto:comite-foro@rcp.net.pe