[WG-Strategy] Thoughts on IGF outcomes for 2020

[Anriette Esterhuysen]

Dear all

The MAG will be discussing how to approach 'outcomes' at this year's
IGF. I looked at the options paper which goes much further in proposing
a way towards concrete outcomes. While I don't disagree with those
proposals, I know we have not yet reached consensus on them so my
suggestions only reflect them in quite a small way.

Mostly I have tried to build on current and previous practices, with
some incremental changes that will bring us closer to a more
outcome-oriented IGF without compromising the IGF's value as a platform
for open discussion.

Looking forward to your comments.

Anriette

*Suggestions for strengthening IGF outcomes in 2020*

Step 1

More focused and actionable outcomes are linked to a more focused agenda
and the MAG has already taken steps to achieve this. What about building
on the 4 themes by identifying key issues and questions based on session
proposals? Much of this work has already been done by the MAG. We can
either consolidate this work ourselves, or use the assistance of a
consultant to produce a document with key issues/policy
questions/priorities for each theme.

If there is sufficient resources available the author of this document
can also provide an overview of the key entities/processes that are
developing policy responses for the various thematic track issues. This
can serve to highlight which institutions should participate in relevant
thematic sessions, as well as to begin to identify who should be
communicated to when outcomes (suggestions, messages, recommendations)
are shared and discussed further.

Step 2

The outcome of step one is shared publicly with IGF stakeholder and
other IG institutions for their feedback which is then integrated into
an IGF 2020 thematic framing document.  This will allow people to add
new issues/ideas  that have emerged since the workshop proposals and
response to call for issue validation earlier this year.

Step 3

MAG members use this framing document as a basis for a) the introductory
sessions for each theme and b) the first draft of an outline version of
IGF 2020 outcomes. It can be adapted based on the outcomes discussions
during the introductory sessions.  This framing document can also draw
on the final outcome reports of the 2019 BPFs where relevant.

Step 4

The MAG asks session organisers/rapporteurs to capture
messages/recommendations etc. in response to these issues/questions in
the framing document. They are also asked to suggest where and by whom
they think further discussion or action on these issues are needed. We
can also ask them to do what the MAG did in the past, which was to
reflect a) points of consensus b) areas of divergence, and c) issues
that need further exploration by, for example BPFs.

This need not create an additional burden for session organisers as we
can merge this 'template' with existing reporting templates.

Step 5

The Secretariat (ideally with the help of an independent consultant)
then synthesises the resulting outcomes  into an overall outcome
document. This document be separate from the current short 'messages'
version of IGF outcomes. It might work well to have the messages as an
immediate output of the annual event, with this overall outcome report
being given a bit more time. It could also be a version of the Chair's
report, but it might be more effective to make it a freestanding,
neutral, IGF outcome document based.

Step 6

Dissemination of the outcomes of the annual IGF through a "Request for
comments" process (this idea is in the Options paper). In this way
specific suggestions related to the themes, and the
issues/priorities/policy questions identified in the framing paper, can
be put out for comment from the broader IGF community.

The outcomes can also be distributed to relevant global, regional and
national institutions from all stakeholder groups (including government)
as well as to those that are not IGF insiders.

Step 7

The MAG and BPFs and DCs and NRIs can then consider how to respond to
the outcomes, and reaction to these outcomes, in their planning for the
2021 IGF.

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