Ministry of Information Technology
and Communications

Relevant international bodies – UN specialized institutions

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU);
• Universal Postal Union (UPU).

The United Nations is considered the universal center for settlement of global issues by means of its specialized agencies: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Universal Postal Union (UPU), paying a specific attention to the development of ICT field.

At the same time, UN directly initiates global actions aimed at development of this sector, such as the important global event, which is of current interest to the present day - World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) of 2003/2005, established by the decision of the UN General Assembly.

1.1. The World Summit on the Information Society

The Information Society has a global character, meaning that in the process of Information Society building at a certain extent participate all the interested states. But, at this stage, in various regions of the world, the level of information technologies deployment is different, therefore the problem of "digital divide" among countries gets more defined. This situation negatively influences both the "developing" and "developed" countries. In order to diminish the effects of this situation among the states, as well as for coordination of joint actions in the process of Information Society building at the global level, the UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183 (21 December 2001) endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva from 10th to 12th December, 2003 and the second phase took place in Tunis from 16th to 18th November, 2005. The objective of the first phase was to develop and foster a clear statement of political will and take concrete steps to establish the foundations for an Information Society for all, reflecting all the different interests at stake. Compliant to the Summit Agenda the following crucial topics were examined:

• Developing an communications and information infrastructure;
• Equal access to information and to information technologies;
• Development and effective rendering of electronic services;
• Deployment of information technologies in education;
• National concepts and programs concerning the building of Information Society.

The WSIS held in Geneva resulted in two documents of global importance: "Declaration of principles. Building the Information Society: a global challenge in the new Millennium" and "The Geneva Action plan on Information Society building" (http://www.mdi.gov.md/wsis_md/).

The objective of the Tunis phase was to draft concrete actions and adopt decisions concerning the fulfillment of final documents, received within the frames of the first WSIS Summit phase in Geneva on December12, 2003. As the result two important documents have been adopted: "Tunis Commitment" and "Tunis Agenda for the Information Society".

The "Tunis Commitment" reaffirms the Declaration of principles, adopted in the first phase in Geneva, and highlights some new developments since the Geneva Phase, including the importance of ICTs for children and the connection between ICTs and peace issues.

The "Tunis Agenda for the Information Society" is based on the commitments made in Geneva and it is focused on:

• financial mechanisms for meeting the challenges of ICT for development purposes;
• Internet governance and related issues;
• the implementation and follow-up of the Geneva and Tunis decisions.

In accordance with a decision taken in the second meeting of the Preparatory Committee of the Tunis Phase the Summit convened two Round Tables and one High-Level Panel on the themes "From Commitment to Action: Implementation after Tunis" and "ICT for Development" respectively, were intended to provide Heads of States or Governments with the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions with leaders from international organizations, business and civil society entities attending the Summit. The Republic of Moldova was represented at the WSIS by the delegation headed by Vladimir Molojen, the Minister of Information Development. The representatives of the national delegation participated in different activities organized within the framework of WSIS regarding the electronic government, new technologies and IT projects.
Basic WSIS basic documents and other additional information can be accessed at: http://www.itu.int/wsis and http://www.mdi.gov.md/wsis_md.

On the occasion of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, established by the UN for May 17, 2007, the International Telecommunication Union highlighted the progress on WSIS implementation at the national level on a special web site. This portal provides access to the national reports on WSIS implementation compiled in collaboration with Member States. Reports include comprehensive descriptions of the national mechanisms established to advance WSIS objectives, as well as information on e-strategies and key initiatives undertaken since WSIS in Tunis 2005. More information is available on: http://www.itu.int
Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vasile Semeniuc, tel. 257-075, e-mail: senmeniuc.vasili@mdi.gov.md

1.2. International Telecommunication Union

The Republic of Moldova became member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on October 20th, 1992. The ITU is the oldest international organization of this kind. It was established on May 17th, 1865, by signing in Paris, in 1865, the first International Telegraph Convention. The International Telecommunication Union is unique among other international organizations because it was founded on the principle of cooperation between governments and the private sector. Besides the member states and observers, ITU accepts the membership of related operators, research laboratories, equipment manufacturers and other relevant organizations. The partnership with the private sector creates conditions for the financial balance, for representation of all interested parties and contribution in technical expertise, etc. Thus, starting February 1st, 2002 the JSC "Moldtelecom", as a national telephone operator, become a member of ITU, Development sector (ITU-D).

Supplementary information on this topic is accessible on: http://www.itu.int/home/index.html and http://www.itu.int/ITU-D

Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vasile Semeniuc, tel. 257-075, e-mail: senmeniuc.vasili@mdi.gov.md 

1.3. Universal Postal Union

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is the primary forum for cooperation among international postal administrations. The UPU sets the rules for international mail exchange and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail volumes and to improve the quality of service for customers.

Republic of Moldova became a full fledged member of the UPU on November 16th, 1992. Since 1997 the Republic of Moldova joined the UPU' basic documents, which were ratified by the Moldovan Parliament on September 30th, 2004(Laws nr. 318-XV; nr. 319-XV; nr. 320-XV; nr. 321-XV from September 30th, 2004). As a result of the joining the UPU the Republic of Moldova benefits from all its advantages: transit freedom, the possibility to realize postal exchange and money orders all around the world, integration into the international postal community. This results in the development and improvement of postal services, technical assistance in order to promote new postal technologies, offering of grants for participation in seminars, conferences and for raising the level of staff's skill.

In August 2008 the 24th Congress of the Universal Postal Union took place at Geneva, thus marking an important milestone in the international postal course. At the congress were present 179 UPU member states out of 191. Over 2500 persons, including relevant ministers from 70 countries, representatives from a range of international organizations and other institutions related to the postal sector were present at this event.

One of the main decisions of the Congress was the approval of the Postal Strategy for 2009-2012, based on which the Ministry of Information Development shall elaborated the Postal Strategy of the Republic of Moldova, which is meant to define the development course of the postal sector in our country for the next four years. At this congress the Republic of Moldova was represented by a delegation headed by the Minister of Information Development Mr. Pavel Buceatchi.

For more details visit: http://www.upu.int/wsis

Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vasile Semeniuc, tel. 257-075, e-mail: senmeniuc.vasili@mdi.gov.md

External cooperation at the regional level

A valuable contribution to the development of the information society in the Republic of Moldova is made by the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications and its regional cooperation in the relevant field:

• The Council of Europe by its specialized commissions for protection of personal data, human rights in the context of information society and electronic democracy;
• Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative, component of the Regional Cooperation Council;
• Regional Commonwealth in the filed of Communications (RCC) and the Coordination council of CIS Member States for Informatization;
• Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (ODED-GUAM) by means of its working group on information technology and communications;
• Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation, by means of its Working Group on information and communication technologies.

2.1 Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has a specific contribution in drafting the development directions in the field of information technology and communications for its member states through its specialized commissions: Consultative Committee of the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (T-PD) and the Ad hoc Committee on E-Democracy of the Council of Europe (CAHDE).

The Republic of Moldova is part to the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data and its participation in the activity of the Consultative Committee results in a permanent practical support.

As for the Ad hoc Committee on E-Democracy of the Council of Europe (CAHDE), this group had been active in 2006-2008 and the Ministry of Information Development also participated in its works. Ad hoc Committee on E-Democracy of the Council of Europe (CAHDE) has been created upon the recommendation of the Third Summit of the Council of Europe's Heads of States and Government heads. The mandate of the CAHDE sums up in identification of necessary actions, which are subsequently advised to the member state in order to promote democratic practices and reforms by implementing ICTs.

Representatives of relevant public institutions, NGOs and academic organizations, as well as representatives of various international bodies showing interest in promotion of democratic practices in the CE member states by using ICTs participated in the meetings of CAHDE.

During the final reunion of CAHDE at Strasbourg in the period 13-14 November, the following documents had been approved and sent to the EC Ministers' Committee for approval:

• The Draft Recommendation Rec (2008)X of the Committee of Ministers to member states on electronic democracy (e-democracy);
• The Draft of explanatory memorandum to the Draft Recommendation Rec (2008)X of the Committee of Ministers to member states on electronic democracy (e-democracy);
• Generic list of tools and policy for an electronic democracy;
• A roadmap for e-democracy;
• A checklist for the introduction of e-democracy tools;
• A framework for reporting e-democracy initiatives;
• Evaluating e-democracy;
• Glossary of terms for e-democracy.

CAHDE mandate was governed by the fact that e-democracy became one of the main priorities promoted by the Council of Europe. This European organization is guided in its activity by three main components: democracy, law supremacy and human rights. Once adopted, the recommendations of the Council of Europe on e-democracy are to be implemented by the accredited institutions from the member states in order to promote the goals set forth, for the elaboration of the national policy documents in the relevant fields and their implementation.

Supplementary information on this topic is accessible on: http://www.coe.int/t/e/integrated_projects/democracy/02_Activities/002_e-democracy/

Contact person in Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vitalie Tarlev, tel. 257-078, e-mail: tarlev.vitalie@mdi.gov.md

2.2 Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative

Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative had been launched in 2001, as part of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, 2nd Working Table on "Economic Reconstruction, Cooperation and Development". This regional initiative is the main cooperation tool in the field of ICTs in the South Eastern Europe and the promoted actions in this area fully correspond to the modern requirement, as well as to the expectations of European integration of the states in this region. This facilitates the processes related to the approximation to the European Union and offers perspectives for European integration by developing informational infrastructure and active use of the intellectual potential at the regional level. The Initiative also contributes to region integration into the European and global economy based on knowledge and new technologies by offering practical support in the promotion of modern and balanced policy in the ICT field.

The member countries of the Stability Pact for Southern Eastern Europe are: Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Serbia, Kosovo, Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro.

By joint efforts, accomplished owing to the support and contribution of the Stability Pact for Southern Eastern Europe, United Nations Development Program and European Commission (Directorate - General for Information Society and Media), the member states have successfully drafted and implemented in the period of 2002-2007 a Joint Action Plan for the Development of the Information Society eSEE Agenda.

Within the frames of eSEE Agenda provisions, the Republic of Moldova has registered significant progresses in the following directions:

• building administrative capacities for the development of IS (establishing an institution of governmental level for development of ICTs, a national regulatory authority, a national authority for public key certification, etc);
• adoption of relevant legal framework necessary for the development of the field (National development strategy of the IS, adoption of a range a laws compliant with the European requirements on: electronic communication, personal data protection, electronic document, digital signature, electronic commerce, fight against cyber crimes);
• promotion of principles Information society for development (setting up an efficient national mechanism of financing and fulfilling national development plans of the IS, analysis of internal business processes and implementation of new opportunities using ICTs for reformation and modernization of public administration; launching national projects of vocational training in the field of ICTs and public servants in the first place; use of European procedures for data enrollment and monitoring the development process of ICTs; development of national e-Government programs for creation and management of state information resources, rendering electronic services, availability of public authorities in the cyber space; development of e-Democracy and e-Participation; development of information systems for education and connection of educational institutions to world wide web; facilitating broader access to ICTs and development of electronic communications infrastructure);
• establishing a favorable framework for regional development in the area of IS development (multilateral experience exchange on sector development and participation at various regional events; beneficiate from the assistance granted to the region in area of IS development through recommendations and consultancy provided by the donors – European Comission, UNDP, USAID, etc).

The Republic of Moldova has fully beneficiated from the possibilities offered by this cooperation framework and was permanently mentioned as one of the countries that had fulfilled in a proper manner the stated objectives by the eSEE Agenda for 2003-2007.

In this regard, both from political point of view and the practical impact on the development of ICTs, the cooperation in the Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative format has been acknowledged as one of the most successful activities unfolded by the Stability Pact for Southern Eastern Europe, the countries from this region with the support of European institutions and UNDP have agreed upon the continuation of this activity.

On October 29, 2007 at Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina the Ministerial Reunion of the Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative took place, within the frames of which the official signing of the "eSEE Agenda Plus – an action plan for the period 2008-2012".

Agenda Plus establishes a general framework for the development of Information society in South-Eastern Europe, yet including relevant adjustments within the frames of regional environment, such as European agenda "i2010" ("An European Information Society for growth and employment"). At the present stage the activity is focused on three main directions:

• building a unique information society in South-Eastern Europe;
• promoting an innovative and investment policy in ICTs researches and education;
• cooperation concerning the development of an Inclusive Information Society;

Supplementary information on Electronic South-Eastern Europe (eSEE) Initiative and regional participation of the Republic of Moldova can be accessed on: http://www.stabilitypact.org and http://www.eseeinitiative.org

Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vitalie Tarlev, tel. 257-078, e-mail: tarlev.vitalie@mdi.gov.md

2.3 Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications

The Ministry of Information Technology and Communications participates in the activity of the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC) and its specialized commissions, as well as in the activity of the Coordination Council for Informatization of the CIS member states attached to RCC. Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications is a regional intergovernmental organization, established on December 17, 1991. Currently, 18 Communications Administrations are members of RCC, including 12 full rights members and seven observers.

The supreme organ of the RCC is the Board of the Heads of the Communications Administrations and its immediate activity is unfolded through RCC specialized commissions. The reunions of the Heads of the Communications Administrations and the Coordination Council take place twice a year; RCC specialized commissions and working groups are summoned not often then twice a year.

The decisions adopted in this format have an advisory character and are not mandatory for execution. At the same time, both national administrations in general, as well as their representatives give a positive appraisal to this cooperation framework, which offers a simplified cooperation possibility and an effective solution-oriented approach related to the activity of mentioned institutions and the experience exchange mechanism regarding to the development of ITC sector in the RCC state members.

The specialized commissions and working groups are as follows:

• the Council of RCC Administration Heads;
• the Council for information security;
• the Council for coordination of international cooperation;
• the Council for regulation of radio frequency spectrum use;
• the Commission for postal communications;
• Economic Commission;
• Informatization Commission;
• RCC Commission for Satellite Communication, TV and Sound Broadcasting;
• RCC Commission for electronic communications;
• RCC Commission for development of human resources;
• RCC Electronic Communications Board;
• RCC Postal Communications Board;
• Coordination commission on regulatory bodies activity in the field of communications;
• High Level Working Group on information technologies for new generation passport and visa documents building;
• RCC Preparatory Group for World Radio communication Conference;
• Working Group on Telemedicine.

Supplementary information related to this topic can be accessed on: http://www.rcc.org.ru 
Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communication of Moldova: Mr. Vladimir Vornic, tel. 269-584, e-mail: vornic.vladimir@mdi.gov.md

2.4. Working group ODED – GUAM in the field of information technology

One of the main priorities of regional cooperation within the frames of ODED – GUAM represents the collaboration in the field of information technology.

In December, 2006, in Chisinau, took place the second meeting of the ODED – GUAM Working Group on information technologies. The member states experts had examined the possibilities and perspectives of collaboration in the field of information society development in GUAM countries. Within the frames of the meeting it had been decided to establish the network of GUAM coordinators in the filed of ITCs and its activity was to be adjusted to relevant international and European standards. During this meeting, held in Chisinau the Republic of Moldova presented its experience in IS development, in the sphere of state registers creation and management and development of state information resources, as well as other successful projects.

In the period of 18-19 June 2007, in Baku, Azerbaijan, took place the Summit of the Head of member-states of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM. Within its frames the Strategy on development of field collaboration of the ODED-GUAM member states had been signed. Information Technology block represents a component of this Strategy. Signing of this Strategy is a new stage in the relations of collaboration, experience exchange and implementation of common projects within the frames of ODED-GUAM in general, and in the field of ICT in particular.

Supplementary information related to this topic can be accessed on: http://www.guuam.org.

Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vladimir Vornic, tel. 269-584, e-mail: vornic.vladimir@mdi.gov.md

2.5. Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Working Group on information technologies and communications.

At certain stages a specific attention was given by the BSEC to the cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies.

In October 2006 in Moscow, Russian Federation the reunion of the Working Group on Information Technology and Communications of the BSEC and ministers of ICT of BSEC member states took place.

Meeting Agenda included such topics as: assessment of the World Summit on Information Society results; collaboration proposals on ITC projects for BSEC member states; approval of ICT Development Matrix of BSEC Member States; consideration of draft Memorandum of Understanding on Multilateral Cooperation in the field of postal communications; adoption of Joint Declaration in the sphere of ICT of BSEC Member States; elaboration of a Program and appointment of the Ukraine as the country coordinator of the BSEC ICT Working Group.

In June 2008, at Istanbul, Turkey, the Inauguration Reunion of the "Platform of the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities". This event is a continuation of the dialogue launched within the frames of BSEC Working Group on information and communication technologies and is focused on experience exchange among national regulatory authorities in the field of TV and radio broadcasting.

Supplementary information related to this topic can be accessed on: http://www.bsec-organization.org.

Contact person in the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova: Mr. Vladimir Vornic, tel. 269-584, e-mail: vornic.vladimir@mdi.gov.md

Bilateral external cooperation

External cooperation of the Republic of Moldova in the field of electronic communications and information develops both with relevant international bodies and special bilateral agreements. These agreements had been signed after the Republic of Moldova gained its independence, being triggered by the need to ensure bilateral cooperation in various fields related to the activity of the MITC. Currently the following bilateral agreements are to be mentioned:

1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on collaboration in the field of informatization and information telecommunications, concluded on 21.04.2005;
2. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on collaboration in the field of telecommunications and post communications dated 29.06.2000;
3. Agreement on collaboration between the National Center of Legal Information of the Republic of Belarus and the Department of Information Technologies of the Republic of Moldova, concluded 02.12.2000;
4. Agreement on science and technical collaboration and interrelation between the National Academy of Science of the Republic of Belarus and the Department of Information Technologies of the Republic of Moldova dated 17.02.2003.
5. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Bulgaria on collaboration in the field of post communications, telecommunications and information technologies dated 20.05.2004;
6. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan on collaboration in the field of informatization and information technologies, concluded 17.04.2004;
7. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on cooperation in the field of information technology concluded on 24.08.2007.
8. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania on collaboration in the field of postal and tele- communications dated 27.12.1995;
9. Agreement on concordance of frequencies of mobile and fixed communication on a frequency of 29.7 - 960 MHz, concluded between the Telecommunication Administrations of the Republic of Moldova and Romania dated 30.05.1997;
10. Agreement between the telecommunication administrations of the Republic of Moldova and Romania regarding the establishment of preferential frequency in GSM band concluded in Iasi on 30.05.1997. In force since 30.05.1997.
11. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of information technologies and communications, concluded on 14.11.2008;
12. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Russian Federation on the procedure and conditions for Russian TV and radio broadcast the territory of the Republic of Moldova, concluded in Moscow on 08.10.1996. In force since 13.05.1997;
13. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Russian Federation on the statute of mass media of the Republic of Moldova in Russian Federation and of the Russian Federation mass media in the Republic of Moldova signed on 11.04.1997. In force since 06.06.1997;
14. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Ukraine on collaboration in the field of telecommunications, concluded on 20.03.1993;
15. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Ukraine on collaboration in the field of postal order, signed on 20.03.1993;
16. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Ukraine on collaboration in solving problems related to the spreading of periodicals dated 20.03.1993;
17. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on collaboration in the field of governmental telecommunication resources dated 23.10.1998;
18. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Uzbekistan on mutual cooperation concerning postal order dated 30.03.1995;
19. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Uzbekistan on cooperation in the field of tele- and postal communications dated 30.03.1995.