In line with the upcoming PrepCom-3 meeting, civil society organisations can avail of fellowships in order to attend the meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from 15-26 September 2003.

To facilitate the participation of civil society entities from developing countries at the upcoming PrepCom-3, a limited number of fellowships will be available, with priority being given to participants from least developed countries. Applicants who want to avail of a fellowship must register online at http://www.geneva2003.org. The fellowship's application form can be found at the funding webpage on http://www.geneva2003.org/wsis/index_c01_3_15.htm.

A nomination form must be duly completed, signed and endorsed by the person officially responsible to nominate candidates. The form must be received no later than 12 July 2003.

Candidates may apply from the following categories:

• Academia and education (includes students, teachers, professional schools, researchers, education movements, etc.)
• The science and technology community
• The media (includes broadcasters, regulators, press, journalist associations, NGO media, freedom of expression associations, etc.)
• The creators and active promoters of culture (music, literature, etc.)
• Cities and local authorities
• Trade Unions
• Parliamentarians
• NGOs (Entities with legal status)
• Youth
• Gender
• Indigenous People
• Disabled
• Social movements (Ad hoc movements without legal status)
• Multi-stakeholders partnerships
• Philanthropic institutions and Foundations
• Think Tank

The following are the criteria for the selection process:

1. The candidate must either be accredited or have completed all requirements to be granted application at PrepCom-3 (applicants must register to the conference on )
2. The effective contribution to the drafts of the plan of action or declarations
3. Active participation in the WSIS process (at the international or the national level)
4. Nomination forms must be validated by the person officially responsible to nominate candidates
5. Candidate's professional experience and position and their relevance to the WSIS PrepCom-3 agenda
6. Candidate from a Least Developed Country (LDC)
7. Candidate from a non-LDC, if funds are available
8. Geographical distribution
9. Gender balance (women candidates encouraged)

The WSIS Fellowship Selection Panel will review the nomination forms and select the fellowship recipients. This Panel is established by the Civil Society Bureau. Only successful candidates will be informed of their selection.

The fellowship includes the following:

• International air travel round-trip to Geneva selected and pre-paid by the Civil Society Division of the Executive Secretariat via the most direct and economical route
• Daily allowance for meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the duration of the meeting. No additional daily allowance will be paid for alternative lodging.

For more information, please contact:
WSIS - Civil Society Fellowships
Geneva, Switzerland
Fax: (41-22) 730 6393
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.