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This thread can be used for suggestions of topics to include in the
opening session statement to be delivered by Grace Githaiga.<br>
<br>
Here are some of my thoughts, focussing on the theme of IGF
improvements and policy messages, and also touching on accessibility
and the role of civil society. This is not to suggest that these
are the only areas we should cover:<br>
<br>
<ul>
<li>During the first five year term of the IGF, it proved itself
as a discussion forum. Over the next five years, rather than
simply replicating the previous five, its evolution should
continue.</li>
<li>The IGF has the potential to be a public sphere in miniature
for the Internet, where otherwise disenfranchised voices can
have a real impact in shaping policy decisions taken elsewhere.<br>
</li>
<li>Over the past year the commitment of some other institutions
to the multi-stakeholder principles established at WSIS has
proved weak. [Not sure if we want to point fingers, here.]</li>
<li>This is a challenge that the IGF can confront by proving
itself up to the task of providing concrete and useful inputs
into the policy development processes of those institutions.</li>
<li>In most other fora, the influence of the economically
powerful, such as the entertainment and pharmaceutical
industries, can can cloud policy-makers' view of the broader
public interest.</li>
<li>The IGF does not suffer from that same limitation, to the
extent that all participants have equal status. But we must
continue to improve the IGF's accessibility, including through
online means.<br>
</li>
<li>The involvement of civil society adds democratic legitimacy to
Internet governance processes, by presenting often overlooked
perspectives, including those that transcend national borders.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: black;">Dr
Jeremy Malcolm<br>
Project Coordinator</span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black;">Consumers
International</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: gray;">Kuala Lumpur Office
for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East<br>
Lot 5-1 Wisma WIM, 7 Jalan Abang Haji Openg, TTDI, 60000 Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia<br>
Tel: +60 3 7726 1599</span></p>
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