An opening ceremony of the summit was held from 14:00 to 15:00 on 10 December 2003.

The heads of state of the host countries, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secreatary-General of ITU. the President of the Preparatory Committee, the Executive Head of an intergovernmental organization, and onte top level representative from civil society (including NGOs) as well as one top level representative from a business sector entity (including ITU sector members), identified through their self-organizing mechanism, in coordination with Secretary -General of the Summit,was invited to make remarks. Their remarks were made in the following order.

Mr.Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General said, ".Information and communication technologies are not a panacea or magic formula, but they can improve the lives of everyone on this planet. However, while technology will shape the future, it is people who shape technology, and decide what it could and should be used for. These new technologies should, therefore, be embraced, while recognizing that this is an endeavour that transcends technology."

It is noted that Mrs. Kicki Nordstrom, President of Workd Blind Union made remarks on behalf of the whole civil society and it could increase disabiltity awareness.

Opening Ceremony, 14:00h-15:00h GMT+1

• Switzerland
  His Excellency Mr. Pascal Couchepin
  President of the Swiss Confederation
  
• United Nations
  His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan
  Secretary-General
  
• Tunisia
  His Excellency Mr. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
  President of the Republic of Tunisia
  
• International Telecommunication Union
  His Excellency Mr. Yoshio Utsumi
  Secretary-General
  
• World Blind Union
  Mrs. Kicki Nordstrom
  President
  
• Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company
  Mr. Mohammad Omran
  Chairman of the Board
  
• WSIS Preparatory Committee
  His Excellency Mr. Adama Samassekou
  President