[CS Bureau] Space related issues for CS in Tunis

[Robert Guerra]

Philippe:

My comments  are as follows:

(1) General items to be requested:

- I would like to suggest that a Notice board for announcements and/ 
or news also be requested. There notices and other information could  
be posted
- In addition to the PC's for each room, a filing cabinet and/or  
shelving would be needed (we had this @ Geneva summit)

- @ Geneva summit the rooms with PC's also had printers. In Tunis we  
should have more than one, as that way we have an alternate if it  
breaks down, runs out of paper, etc. So ask for more than one printer  
- please

-
(2) Technical / IT comments:

- Internet connection in at least one of the offices should be not  
firewalled, with "ports open". I can give you the technical  
specifications if needed. In summary, the connections need to be  
setup in such a way so that those using VPNs and other secure means  
can be used to connect to internet services outside of Tunis.

This is a non-negotiable request - arises from the fact that Tunisia  
is known to both block internet sites (ie. censor them), as well as  
intercept communications. Secure means to use the internet must be  
obtained . Note: demand was made  in the Feb Bureau to Bureau  
document, as well as @ various interventions by CS.

- If possible,  one or more of the PC's should be equipped with  
speakers and microphone. This would permit virtual teleconferencing  
with CS who can not attend Tunis.

- If possible, one or more video projectors should be requested .  
They would be used for presentations and virtual teleconferencing.

- The technical setup and configuration of the PC's should be known  
in advance. Specifically what operating system will be installed - if  
at all. though Microsoft is a sponsor of the event - that should not  
limit the choice CS might have to remove the installed operating  
system, and in its place install one that is based on Free, libre &  
open Source software.

Ubuntulinux, for example would be one i'd recommend. It's made in  
South Africa. If the Tunisian IT tech people don't know how to use  
it..no problem, CS people would be more than happy to install it on  
CS's computers...

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/

(3) Situation of the CS offices/rooms

- thanks for the map
- it would be helpful if a larger map, would be available - as it  
would allow us to situate the CS area. It,  give us an idea of where  
the CS "space" is located vis-a-vis everything else.
(ie. are we in a corner, close the WSIS ES, outside, or what?)

(4) Other Logistical needs:

- Agree with Renate's comments that a certain # of overpasses should  
be requested for the CSB secretariat to have access to both the  
summit "secretariat", as well as the press area.

This is not a "new request" , as  for the Geneva summit, a limited #  
of individuals were granted overpasses for the summit "secretariat"  
area, as well as the press area. We need to find out how many  
overpasses for each of the two sections we can get.


(5) Outstanding:

- "Speaking slots" - Despite numerous messages by Renate and myself,  
there is still movement on the topic of speaking spots. Is the  
deadline still Oct 1st? If so, then the numerous CS caucuses ,  
plenary and working groups need to be notified to start the process.

- "Internet details" - given past experience at the summit in Geneva,  
we need  to seek and obtain assurances that we will have FREE  
wireless access AT LEAST for the "CS space". If Wireless access for  
the rest of the summit is not free, then we need to know ASAP.

- "situation of CS Pavilion"  - please ask for larger map/plan of  
Kram centre. that we can have an idea where they are putting us.

The image you sent shows that we have :

a. a far more isolated and less favourably located vs what was the  
case at the Geneva summit.
b. There seems to be a main door (that opens out) that leads to the  
CS pavillion area. Will that be locked in any way?
c. Can we ask that the sound in salle 150 not be too loud. Should it  
be, then we might not be able to hear each other .

- "overpasses" - This was left for the very last minute at the Geneva  
summit. I know, as I am the one who had to allocate them. I am  
willing to advise to help set up a process for allocation for tunis -  
however, will not do this by myself again. A team needs to be created  
to do this, and it needs to be done in an open, transparent and fair  
way. An allocation policy needs to be drafted by the precom



those are my comments for now.




regards,

Robert

--
Robert Guerra <rguerra at privaterra.org>
Managing Director, Privaterra <http://www.privaterra.org>