[IGFmaglist] Change of dates for IGF 2014

[Fiona Alexander]

Vacations aside,  is it possible to get more information on why the proposal for a date change?  I think it would be helpful to have some context before conveying views to UNDESA.

-------- Original message --------
From: "Michael R. Nelson"
Date:01/27/2014 5:53 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: Markus Kummer ,MAG-public
Subject: Re: [IGFmaglist] Change of dates for IGF 2014

Markus,
I agree with your suggested approach.  Not only would an August date limit Europeans’ participation, it would also make it much harder to pull in North Americans.

I am particularly eager to see many “new faces” at IGF 2014.  People who haven’t been to an IGF meeting in the past, will be particularly unlikely to reschedule their August vacations to attend.

Mike


From: Igfmaglist [mailto:igfmaglist-bounces at intgovforum.org] On Behalf Of Markus Kummer
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2014 5:20 AM
To: MAG-public
Subject: Re: [IGFmaglist] Change of dates for IGF 2014

Dear all,

Reading your reactions to the proposed change of dates I suggest urging UNDESA to remain firm and to insist on the time slot originally proposed, that is the first week of September. Last year, UNDESA consulted the MAG whether we should go ahead with Bali as a location or consider an alternative venue. Based on last year's procedure, it would seem appropriate for UNDESA to consult the MAG whether or not to go ahead with the Host Country's proposal for new dates.

As many of you have pointed out, there are various factors that need to be considered, first and foremost the fact that the August dates would fall into the middle of the European holiday season. Participants from Europe are traditionally well represented in any IGF meeting and of course they are expected to be even more so if the meeting takes place in the European region. In August, it would be practically impossible to get any high-level participants from Europe. In addition, having the meeting earlier would reduce the time necessary for a careful preparation of the meeting and it would also interfere with some of the national/regional IGF initiatives.

All in all, it would be best for the IGF to stick to the originally proposed dates in a year that will be crucial for the IGF's future.

Should the hosts not be amenable to reconsider, we could also consider alternative venues, as we did last year. This year at least we would have more time! We do have offers for 2015 and 2016 and also other countries expressed their interest last year.

If you agree, I will send a note to UNDESA on behalf of the MAG conveying this message.

Lastly, I suggest focusing on the dates and not mixing other issues into this discussion. Some of the parameters in which the IGF operates are fixed by the UN General Assembly, such as the financing of meetings away from UN Headquarters, and there is no point for the MAG to try to change what it cannot change.

Best regards
Markus

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