[IGFmaglist] FOR MAG'S CONSIDERATION: SUGGESTED PRINCIPLES/PARAMETERS FOR SELECTING OF THEME / SUBTHEMES / BPFs FOR IGF 2015

[Romero Caballero, Maria Victoria]

Dear colleagues

I agrre with many of Virat views and proposals, as per a main theme, taking into account that MAG recognizes that IG has evolved more complex and diversified, i would propose "Back to basics - fundamental problems of Internet Governance" and/or "10 IGFs - where are we and where are we going (quo vadis)".

I would not recommend references to what have we accomplished, as it takes us somewhat to concrete outcomes, and also be careful when using sustainable as it is a concept that is interpreted differently according to the constituency (although it is an important topic for developing countries).

As per Subthemes, I support Virat's proposals as regards to HR and e-government, for the reasons that he eloquently explained.

For the intersessional work, I also would strongly recommend outreaching actions in Geneva and New York.

Best regards

Victoria

From: Igfmaglist [mailto:igfmaglist-bounces at intgovforum.org] On Behalf Of Bhatia, Virat
Sent: miércoles, 03 de diciembre de 2014 08:18 a.m.
To: MAG-public
Subject: [IGFmaglist] FOR MAG'S CONSIDERATION: SUGGESTED PRINCIPLES/PARAMETERS FOR SELECTING OF THEME / SUBTHEMES / BPFs FOR IGF 2015


Dear Members of the MAG,

As we approach the 3 issues of the theme, subthemes and best practice sessions, I would request that we spend a few minutes this morning to agree upon the "principles and parameters", based on which we could approach a decision. Otherwise we are all receiving wide ranging suggestions - all very meritorious - but there is no easy way to reach a swift consensus and move on to focus on the workshops and main sessions, including selection criteria, mechanisms, and guidelines, etc. - all of which can be quite time consuming.

I propose the following for the MAG's consideration.


1.       Principles / parameters for picking a theme:

i)                    Globally acceptable, without any exceptions;

ii)                   Concise and inclusive;

iii)                 Relates strongly to other globally recognized efforts / initiatives of the UN;

iv)                 Aspirational;

v)                  Linkages with and offers continuum to the themes of previous IGFs;

vi)                 Resonates strongly with decision makers at the UNGA (renewal);

vii)               Conveys the impression that each stakeholders can contribute substantively;

viii)              National and regional IGFs should be able to relate/contribute to the theme.


2.       Subthemes:

i)                    The universal existing subthemes that have continued since the origin of the IGF include:

(a)       Access/development

(b)      Diversity

(c)       Security

(d)      Openness


ii)                   It seems that these have been very carefully, thought through, and most subthemes  can fall under these 4 broad categories.  However based on the comments received, I would recommend retaining:

(a)          Access / development

(b)         Diversity

(c)          Security


We could examine 3 additional subthemes:



(a)       Emerging Issues:  This broad subtheme allows for a number of issues, that may come up between now and the workshop finalization period, to be included in the IGF. Emerging issues "always comes handy" and allows for much needed flexibility, as was the experience in 2013 (surveillance) and 2014 (NETmundial - HR).


(b)      Human Rights: This has been one subtheme which has, and continues, to receive a large number of proposals and was an important outcome from the NETmundial statement.



(c)       E-governance:  e-Governance would not only resonate with the decision makers in New York and capitals, but allow us to include a wide range of issues and linked proposals, such as e-Health, e-Education, e-Agriculture and mobile money, etc. In most countries, these fall under the purview of the government, who in turn approaches them, in close cooperation with private sector, civil society, technical community and academia.  Youth are equally important since they are the early adopters, and eventually will be the largest users of e-Governance services' bucket.
Most importantly, governments are spending large amounts of public money, especially in developing countries to address e-Governance and aspects related to e-Governance such as placing online government information / forms, in local languages. It is also well established that large populations across Africa, Central Europe, Asia, Middle East and Latin America are critically dependent upon their governments and by consequence, e-Governance related welfare for their wellbeing.

To keep the subthemes at a maximum of 6, we may consider leaving out "Openness" for this year.


3.       Here are some principles / parameters for consideration by the MAG, for selecting Best Practice Forums:
Best Practice needs further discussion since it wasn't entirely clear which of the existing 5 Best Practice Forums can continue into 2015.  I would however recommend that we pick no more than 5 best practice forums given the immense workload for 2015. Again, here are some recommended principles to select Best Practice Forums:


(i)                  Unresolved global IG issue;

(ii)                Availability of experts and specific, verifiable information / data;

(iii)               Topic for which there is specific, existing, unmet demand, especially within governments and related agencies;

(iv)              An issue / discussion  that will reflect positively in the IGF renewal considerations;

(v)                An issue, which, through contributions of a wider working group and bottom up multistakeholder inputs, can produce a concrete and usable compendium of information by 2015.
Trust this is helpful.

Warm regards,
Virat Bhatia



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