Containing the Millennium Bug
15-17 September 1998

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

The pervasiveness of information and communication technologies is an acknowledged fact. Even in less-developed countries, critical operations often depend on one or both of these technologies, ranging from the more obvious application of computer systems for public administration to the less evident - but nonetheless equally critical - embedded systems resident in the microchip logic of devices in hospital equipment, air-traffic control systems and the like.

The countdown to the new millennium has begun. Indeed, for some computer systems the inability to handle the year 2000 description-format correctly will begin to manifest itself a year ahead, in January 1999. Concerns have been expressed internationally that several administrations may not be adequately prepared, even by the end of 1999. On their part, Telecommunications operators are concerned that in a number of countries inadequate preparation on the part of the public administration (often the main telecomm client) may cause serious disruption to their cash flow. As a result of this situation and with the objective of damage-limitation, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation and the Commonwealth Network of Information Technology for Development have agreed to collaborate on an urgent programme designed to heighten awareness within Governments, promote ownership of the responsibility for effective action and to provide guidelines for action. With the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat, these two agencies were engaged in the convening of this workshop which, whilst complementing their wider Year 2000 activities, was intended explicitly to raise awareness, launch the on-going initiative and provide input to the forthcoming Commonwealth Finance Minister meeting in Ottawa at the end of September, 1998. This event was organised in association with the Malta Information Technology and Training Services Ltd which is the Government of Malta's IT agency.