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<font face="Verdana">Parminder,<br>
Thanks very much for this concise summary. I hope this motivates all of
us to solidify our projects, proposals and statements.<br>
<br>
There is an OC coming up at the beginning of May, and we do not have a
clear direction on a statement theme. Can we take this opportunity to
focus our priorities and move forward?<br>
<br>
There have been some excellent discussions lately. Please post your
concrete ideas for issue(s) to address. I suggest we choose one or two
ideas for strong emphasis, rather than making a general statement. It
does seem more effective.<br>
<br>
Ideas?<br>
Best, Ginger<br>
</font><br>
Parminder wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:4BC06F19.2050109@itforchange.net" type="cite">
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<font face="serif">The full text of Under-Secretary General's
briefing
is enclosed.<br>
</font><br>
Perhaps the most important part is where he summarizes the views that
came out of the 'formal review' at IGF Sharm. To quote from the speech:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
<blockquote><b>What stakeholders have said</b><br>
There are a number of issues that Forum participants and others have
brought to the<br>
attention of the Secretary-General. At Sharm El Sheikh, there was
support for continuing the IGF<br>
as it is, and support for continuing the IGF subject to a number of
conditions.<br>
<br>
Most of the speakers who supported improvements wanted the IGF to
refocus its<br>
attention on points such as the following:<br>
<ul>
<li>International public policy issues;</li>
<li>Capacity-building;</li>
<li>Participation by developing countries;</li>
<li>Improved transparency;</li>
<li>Improved communications; and</li>
<li>More visibility for outcomes, and possibly the ability to
make recommendations.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
(quote ends)<br>
<br>
Apparently there isn't any danger of the IGF disappearing. Negotiations
however may take place on text in the General Assembly resolution which
renews the mandate on some of the points listed above. Also i dont see
any real danger of ITU takeover or any such thing.<br>
<br>
Parminder <br>
<br>
</blockquote>
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