FGDC is part of the U.S. delegation to the next World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis, November 16-18, 2005. This Summit is the key negotiating body for the future of the Internet and many other issues pertaining to information and communications technology globally. More than 160 nations and 18,000 persons, including many heads of state, are expected to attend. FGDC had input to the U.S. negotiating position on the topic of all-hazards, all-media public warning. FGDC also played a key role in developing and running the US Government Exhibit and some Workshops at the Summit. Specific themes include IEOS, GEOSS, Public Warning, Geospatial Technologies, and Disaster Response. This Summit is seen as an excellent opportunity to promote the free flow of information, including aspects that are key to scientific progress, such as open data policies and promotion of international standards.
