Lebanon

Roundtable on Globalization and Human Development:

Information and Communication Technology for Human Development in Lebanon

The UN House, 13 July 2001

Mr. Yves de San, UNDP Resident Representative, welcomed the participants and introduced the moderator and discussants. Whereas the first roundtable concerned globalization in a general sense, this second roundtable focused on e-readiness and e-government. Mr. de San opened the discussion with a quote that "ideas are the most important currency".

Mr. Nicholas Chammas, Moderator, introduced the roundtable discussion by referring to the recent release of the Human Development Report (Lebanon is ranked 65 out of 162 countries). He indicated that the main factors for progress are technology and human development, the necessary tools required to reach the economic and social goals in Lebanon. However, he emphasized that technology is not a magic wand that will eliminate all of Lebanon's woes. Instead, there must be a focus on:

- Keeping the educated youth in the country (decreasing the brain drain).
- Socio-economic concerns including eliminating the digital divide in the country.
- Greater focus on rural areas and disadvantaged regions.
- Education of the rising generations to improve future opportunities.
- Elimination of piracy and the black market.
- Lowering of costs of production to make Lebanese goods more competitive on the world market.

Mr. Toni Issa, Discussant, broached the concepts of e-policy and legislation (See, informal summary of paper presented to the Roundtable). The future of the Lebanese economy lies in an information society with various segments that are ruled by an e-language. In order to facilitate this, a liberalization of the technology market is necessary through deregulation. Also, communication networks must be organized into appropriate technologies for Lebanon that will sustain an equitable distribution of networks. The following are steps that could be taken to organize telecom networks:

- The separation between the regulatory body and the business and investment firms in the telecommunications industry. This will allow for a more open and competitive system, well organized and compartmentalized.
- General licensing schemes that will simplify and standardize the market. This applies to all companies offering telecom products and services.
- The provision of agreements that will allow for easy information transfer through electronic, cable, satellite, and other networks without any hindrance that may arise due to network differences. Basically, to normalize communication lines.
- To make available a safety system that protects the privacy and rights of producers and consumers of telecommunications. The privacy of a conversation must remain confidential and inviolate at all times.

Furthermore, to improve the sector, a vital deregulatory action is necessary. Deregulation of the telecommunications market will induce competition. The freedom of perfect competition will improve services and lower barriers to entry. Also, this will raise the sector's standards to an international level. Any new laws and policies implemented must be flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing needs of this innovative market. All firms within the market must adhere to universal laws without exception.

Mr. Jalal Fawaz, Discussant, introduced the subject of e-readiness and the digital divide by way of the Professional Computer Association (PCA) Internet Point of Presence Initiative (PiPOP). This initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide and spread ICT knowledge throughout Lebanon. The PCA launched this initiative to establish low cost self-supporting Internet access centers in rural areas in order to eliminate the digital divide. Its main basis is collaboration and community work.

Potential cooperation can come form universities, local communities, the government, the private sector, NGOs and the media. The PCA role in the project consists of management and supervision, support, technical services, and logistics (helpdesk available). The training of the local communities is the responsibility of the universities. The Government could provide financial support. The media could act as the promotional tool for the project.
In terms of guidelines, eligible participants are community non-profit organizations in villages and towns. Standards and sustainability are of utmost importance here.
The projected timeline for PiPOP begins in July-August 2001, when partners will be enlisted and the programme created. The programme could then be launched in September, at the same time as the start of the five pilots projects. Deployment on a large scale is scheduled to start in January 2002. The collaboration between the various sectors of the civil society is essential for the success of this endeavor. An issue that may arise is the attitude of the local population. Many have developed a dependency on outside help, which stops them for helping themselves.

Mr. Salim Balaa, Discussant, introduced the issue of e-government. E-government is not a technical exercise. E-government is about the creation of services that cater to the customer's needs. It is more about change management. The suggested government strategy to this approach induces an accessible government that uses information more effectively. E-government minimizes intermediaries and provides transparency. There should be a focus on products versus tools of delivery; on resources; and, on product sustainability.

The bottom line is about the economics of such approach. Can the public sector afford ICT projects that would promote the above? In order to deliver e-services effectively, efficiently, and at low cost, one must adhere to standards, security, and speed, which includes infrastructure and bandwidth. To illustrate, the example of the Ministry of Finance in developing a two-way relationship (Ministry-public) was given. E-government products are required for four purposes: declaration (web registration); inspection (validation procedure); assessment; and, payment (e-banking and payment).

In conclusion, it was emphasized that the acceptance of such programme requires senior management support as a necessary enabling factor (change management and ownership). Standards must be raised to the international level. A sense of permanent interactive training must be instilled in people.

Discussion

Vision (human development and globalization)

The need for a strategic vision to guide national development efforts was raised repeatedly. Elements of such vision would be, among others, macroeconomic stability, basic infrastructure development, equality for all, sustainability, democracy in action, and economy-wide ICT development (in industry, education, health, government, etc.).

ICT vision: strategy and policy

Does Lebanon have an ICT vision, ICT strategy? If so, what is it? What is the role of government and civil society? Lebanese are excelling outside, while Lebanon is becoming marginalized.

A virtue of globalization and technology as the driver of globalization is their disruptive trend. Globalization is a reality that we must adapt to. Globalization and technology should go hand in hand.

ICT is a promising, excellent sector for Lebanon in terms of attracting investment and job creation. It can be the future for Lebanon in all sectors if it is used properly. For instance, among the many applications there are telemedicine and forest monitoring systems. But, unfortunately, there is no ICT vision in Lebanon. The starting point should be ICT policy. Spelling out an ICT vision would be a real life application of human development. Morocco and Jordan do have a vision, result of a vibrant national debate. Lebanon does not have an ICT champion at the highest level.

The above argument was countered as the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) had formulated in 1998 a vision for ICT in Lebanon, in consultation with key stakeholders. The vision document was called "ICT Policy and Strategy for Lebanon" and it was welcomed by the Government at that time. However, government never gave in depth consideration to the document and thus did not yet approve it. Lobbying efforts are continuing to try and get this important subject to the top of the government agenda. A question was raised as to whether the document was inclusive of all sectors (public, private, civil society).

Another intervention pointed to the fact that Lebanon is loosing its position; there is need, urgent need to change policies and resources. Globalization/ICT allows to cluster anything, except physical delivery. The bottleneck becomes the point of entry - where there is still an obsession with documentation and paper tracking, which result in direct and indirect costs. (The solution is in the introduction of e-government applications).

It was observed that ICT cal help solve social problems.

Reference was made also to the Seminar on Globalization, organized one week earlier by the Lebanese Businessmen's Association, and the recommendations of which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers (measures to improve internal procedures of companies; issues to be addressed by industry such as TRIPS and barriers to entry; and issues to be addressed by the Government).

ICT legislation 

What needs to be regulated? Within the context of globalization, ICT development is in need of a legal framework that will provide the basis for pricing, efficiency and industry development.

The telecom law must be revised; there are issues to be looked at seriously (to provide faster access; broad bond; etc.). The debate over a new telecom law is under way in Parliament. The law will be discussed and possibly decided upon by Parliament on Wednesday 18 July.

The importance of applying and enforcing international standards was indicated. The important question, though, was how these standard will be applied (e.g. TRIPS).

ICT access and the digital divide

The value of ICT in terms of human development is positive and negative. How will technology improve the lives of the average Lebanese citizen? Will ICT advances not increase the digital divide, which would lead to more friction between sectors of Lebanese society? NGOs and the ICT society must cooperate to bridge the increasing gap.

In this connection, the PCA initiative was welcomed as it focused on introducing ICT in the communal/public space at the local level. The ultimate goal of the Initiative is to expand knowledge through universal access to the Internet. This should stimulate economic and social development. One important issue of the Initiative is how it will be applied in the field (at local community level). Is there a role for municipalities? What communities are concerned? How do we address communities in the field? Selection of local communities will raise issues of interaction. PCA representative indicated that there is no need to structure the role and functions of civil society within the context of the Initiative.

It was observed that schools will not be included in the PCA initiative due to past experience with the Government (Ministry of Education), which was not conducive to any results (reference the 1999 school net initiative in 20 public schools for which PCA had provided hardware and software). Still, it was argued that efforts must be made to include the educational system, specifically the public sector, in order to secure the future of the country. Whatever the difficulties may have been, concerted efforts are required to make sure that computers are available and can be accessed in every school, and that training will be provided as a normal part of education. It was strongly emphasized that it is not enough to tell the Government that computers should be in every school, but lobbying and efforts must be undertaken to make this happen. A national decision is required in this respect. This objective is central to human development and sustainability in the medium and long terms.

Apart from the issues raised in respect of the PCA initiative, there are other important issues of access, among which cost of access, speed of access, and bandwidth at the national level. These need to be addressed as a matter of high priority for the ICT sector to develop to full potential.

E-government

The problem is not e-government but governance. In the past, the Government avoided the use of ICT to limit transparency and record keeping; computers are essential to turn around this situation.

There is an unsatisfactory telecom infrastructure that first needs to be addressed before an ICT system can be built that will meet the requirements of the present and next Internet generations. The development of electronic infrastructure is important, for instance, for the introduction of e-signature.

ICT technology development

Several participants raised the issue of how Lebanon can harness its energy to produce ICT technology? There are ample opportunities that one cannot forsake.

Technology parks and incubators in specific geographic areas should be built as an outlet for creativity of the youth. There is a need to support the development of national research institutions and to create and develop training centres.

ICT is an excellent tool of experimentation and learning, to acquire knowledge.

Leadership and partnerships

Leadership is missing. The situation is complicated as every Lebanese thinks he should be a leader. ICT is an excellent tool to enhance culture that the other may not have. In this connection, for PCA - and others - to consider how their initiative can be a promoter of culture - and of human development. ICT should be a tool to enhance Lebanese culture. We should accept our limitations without being limited.

Leadership for ICT development is missing in Lebanon. The National ICT Committee is composed of Directors General of the public administration - where are private sector, civil society, academia?

There are no ICT champions. However, another argument was that rather than a champion for a cause, ICT required facilitators of initiatives and drivers of action (particularly for project implementation in the field).

The private sector, civil society, academia are very dynamic. More than ten ICT groups exist, representing different ICT functions; this is healthy in the short term (competition). Civil society must get organized and pool resources to avoid conflicts of interest and agendas.

There are several ongoing initiatives: Hariri Foundation (education/distance learning); UNESCO education and learning centres in South Lebanon (3); UNDP technology access centre in Bint Jbeil (still not fully functional Internet access, as PTT permission for the installation of the dish has been subject to administrative delay since many months!;); OMSAR regional telecommuting centres to be established in each one of the six Mohafazats; etc.

The outcome of global and national meetings should lead to emerging partnerships. In national meetings, it was observed, people tend to raise issues and then leave (rather than stay on and work at producing solutions).

A suggestion was made to prepare and keep up-to-date an inventory of who is involved in ICT for development. Also, to explore who starts ICT initiatives.

Learning

An imperative is to start educate politicians about ICT and its strategic importance.
How can we learn from past experiences in other countries in ICT implementation? (There are international initiatives and networks - for instance, UN, UNDP and World Bank - that cater to this need).

Concluding Remarks

Mr. de San envisioned what the situation could look like ten years hence, specifically with respect to ICT and its implications. He emphasized specifically the possible sea change that Lebanon's assets and human talent could bring about. He also referred to some issues and areas of concern, including the need for better protection of the individual, and partnerships among institutions and groups that take initiatives and action for ICT development. The Moderator indicated that the first objective of the roundtable, to raise awareness, had been achieved. As to the second objective, to work towards building consensus on the main issues,, a contribution was made but much remains to be done to identify approaches towards solutions and promoting and achieving solutions. There are important and priority issues in terms of the legal and regulatory framework, technical infrastructure, and conditions and possibilities of access that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. In addition, there are problems relating to the broader environment in which ICT development is to take place: including the absence of enlightened leadership for ICT development; the lack of a common vision for development in general and with respect to ICT in particular; and, the fragmentation of efforts and the need for strong partnerships to bring about change and development (civil society and the private sector to take initiatives and action; the PCA initiative being a good example). Moreover, ICT and globalization are to be adopted in accordance with Lebanese values.

Beirut, 16 July 2001

Report drafted by Rasha Kashkoush and Dania Marzouki.

Report produced by Michèle Abou-Saad.