The Free and Open Source Software Asia-Pacific (FOSSAP) Consultation held on 9-11 February 2004 in Kuala Lumpur was attended by more than 40 participants from 20 countries. Participants in FOSSAP include director generals, senior ministry officials, directors of ministries and regulatory agencies, key national interest groups and non-governmental organizations.

The FOSSAP Consultation was organized by the International Open Source Network (IOSN), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme's Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (UNDP-APDIP), and was jointly funded by UNDP-APDIP and the IDRC.

The FOSSAP Consultation focused on a number of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) issues including FOSS policies in the Asia-Pacific region, FOSS and Government, FOSS in Education, Licensing and Legal Issues, Localization of FOSS and Network Infrastructure and Security. The consultation sought to provide guidance on policy formulations related to FOSS, identify ways to build the necessary FOSS capacities and at the same time raise the awareness of policy-makers on the various FOSS-related issues.

Participants from various countries shared their views and experiences in the use and implementation of FOSS in their respective countries. The working groups deliberated on the findings of the consultation and recommendations were made on the use of FOSS in government, localization of FOSS and building capacities in FOSS. The report on the consultation will be made available shortly.

Click here to visit the FOSSAP Consultation website.

Click here for the FOSSAP Findings and Recommendations.