[IGFmaglist] Introducing discussion on the main session titled "Policies Enabling Access, Growth and Development on the Internet", scheduled on Day 2, September 3, 2014, at IGF 2014, on dedicated list for this session

[Bhatia, Virat]

Subject:  Introducing discussion on the main session titled "Policies Enabling Access, Growth and Development on the Internet", scheduled on Day 2, September 3, 2014, at IGF 2014, on the dedicated list for this session.

Dear Members,
As discussed on the last MAG virtual call, we are introducing the discussion on the main session "Policies Enabling Access, Growth and Development on the Internet" scheduled on Day 2, Wednesday, September 3, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on the dedicated list, in addition to the main MAG list.
Quick highlights and progress since February 2014:

1.      The discussion on the main / focus session combining the subthemes of  'access' and 'internet as an engine for growth and development'  began soon after the MAG meeting held in February 2014. This constitutes email No.10. So far 16 volunteers (formally aligned) and several other MAG members have very kindly contributed to the development of this session.  The most important inputs have come by way of improving the content in the approach paper - especially expanding the areas and perspective on "access", as also by way of a range of speaker names that virtually represent every region and each stakeholder group.

2.      After the May 2014 MAG meeting in Paris, it was decided to hold this session in a deep square (roundtable) format. This will allow 18-20 panelists and the audience/delegates to be seated in concentric circles, to participate in an informal dialogue, without the traditional structure of a panel discussion. The details of opening comments by relevant stakeholders and the time to be allocated for each is a matter that will be discussed with the moderators.

3.      The title for the session was decided after taking a Doodle poll, as, "Policies Enabling Access, Growth and Development on the Internet". This session allows for a rapporteur to take notes and document contributions in a structured manner.  The output will be available for taking the discussion further in the following years, in the sense that it allows for setting a bench mark and evolving the topics of access / development, which will remain relevant for at least half a decade.

4.       Nearly 20 multistakeholder representatives - some MAG members and some observers - have recommended names of speakers. In most cases, speaker/panelist nominations have come from their own stakeholder groups.  A few more names are still awaited.   As usual some stakeholder groups have sent in early confirmations (governments / business), and a few others such as civil society are work in progress.  In some cases, we are still seeking alternate names. Some uncertainty surrounds a few speakers' travel funding.

5.      Given the fact that we have the opportunity to have a large number of  panelists, every attempt has been made by  MAG  members / observers / others, to recommend names from developing countries (nearly 70% of all speaker candidates) and women (nearly half of the recommended speakers).

6.      In terms of countries/regions, Africa, Asia, Latin America and Middle East, are the ones which have been targeted most for speakers, given the extremely low internet penetration and dramatic growth / development impact of the web in these regions. (ITU Report Indicators 2014 and World Bank studies cited in the approach paper attached here).

7.      The first set of 11 confirmations reflects the rich diversity of regions and stakeholder groups, alongside gender balance.

8.      Given the access and development issues, a clear criteria was laid out in the approach paper for inviting speaker names.   Broadly these were:

i)       Developing country speakers with experience of working in areas of access and/or internet as an engine for growth and development.

ii)     International organisations which play a pivotal role in delivering access / development policies - ITU, UN, UNESCO and World Bank.

iii)   Any speakers from developed countries (CS/TC/Business) who either have engagements with developing countries through ICT dialogue, or have themselves worked in the areas of access / internet for growth and development, to get a developed country perspective where appropriate.

9.      Given the theme, an attempt has been made to invite more government speakers, especially as this is one of the subjects where governments regularly contribute and have much to discuss / exchange.

10.   Consequently, the speaker panel is government heavy, but within that, there is an emphasis on developing countries / regions and gender balance. Mr. Martin Levy was approached to be a moderator and he kindly accepted.  Another request for remote moderation has been sent to Ms. Anju Mangal, Information and Knowledge Specialist/Coordinator, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Nabua in Fiji.  Ms. Mangal is also a member of the UN MAG and represents the small and Pacific Nations.  We hope she accepts.
Request for Contributions:
While members are free to comment and help further develop this program, please be advised that several speakers who have confirmed their participation, based on invitations sent after confirming with the references, have done so on the basis of the approach paper and list of possible policy questions, which were originally developed on the basis of comments and inputs received from volunteers / others.
Specifically:

i)                 Need assistance to expedite a civil society speaker from Pakistan or China (Currently listed as Pakistan).

ii)               Need assistance for a civil society speaker from Middle East.

iii)             Might need assistance for a government speaker from Africa. (Currently approaching Minister Johnson from the Government of Nigeria. Ms. Alice Munyua, Convener, Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANET), Kenya, has also been verbally approached.)

iv)              Any suggestions on the design of the 3 hour session.

v)               Any inputs on the approach paper / additional area of focus linked to the overall theme.

vi)              Any other suggestions.
I realize that this information is a repeat for most of you, but since it was decided at the last MAG virtual call, to move the discussion to the dedicated list for this session, this is the one time (and hopefully the last time) for the need to provide a background note.
Again, special thanks to Anriette, Patrick, Judy, Hossam, Yuliya, Marilyn, Jimson, Guy Berger, Christine, Paul, Peter, Anna, Olga, William, Subi, Ankhi, SJ Byun, Cheryl Miller, Claudia Selli, Dr. Govind,  Dr. Ahmet E. ÇAVUŞOĞLU, Ayesha and Martin Levy, for their contributions to the approach paper and for suggesting names. All have contributed in equal measure.
Warm regards,
Virat Bhatia
Member, MAG 2014 (UN IGF)

Attachments:

i)       Concept note / approach paper and public policy questions which would be reduced to 5 in consultation with the moderators for the session.

ii)     List of speakers accompanied by reference names, color coded to exhibit current status.  7 names are in a holding pattern and will be sent invitations next week, depending upon shortages in speaker confirmations.

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