[governance] Theme proposal: Enhanced cooperation

[Milton Mueller]

1. Enhanced cooperation for coordination and management of critical Internet resources. 

a.      A concise formulation for the proposed theme

What globally-applicable public policy principles can be developed to guide the coordination and management of critical  Internet resources?

b.     A brief description of why it is important 

Important issues regarding coordination and management of critical Internet resources were raised during WSIS but left unresolved. Stakeholders still do not agree on the nature and scope of "political oversight" of ICANN, the appropriate  roles of governments, market forces, business, and civil society in managing these resources, or the unilateral role of the  U.S. government. Until these issues are resolved, Internet policy and institutions will be unstable. 

c.     How it is in conformity with the Tunis Agenda 

We find support for this topic in paragraphs 37, 70, and 71 of the Tunis Agenda. Paragraph 70 specifically calls for the  "development of globally-applicable principles on public policy issues associated with the coordination and management  of critical Internet resources." It also asks that all "relevant international organizations" be involved and that "the  organizations responsible for essential tasks associated with the Internet [should] contribute to creating an environment  that facilitates this development of public policy principles." Paragraph 71 requires that this process "involve all  stakeholders" and asks that it "proceed as quickly as possible."

d.     How it fits within the mandate of the IGF as detailed in para 72;

The Tunis Agenda specifically notes, in 72(f), that the Forum should discuss "issues relating to critical Internet  resources." 72(a) mandates the Forum to "Discuss public policy issues related to key elements of Internet  governance..." 

e.      Who the main actors in the field are, who could be encouraged to  participate in the thematic session

ICANN Board members, GNSO Council representatives 
Governments of Brazil, India, China
U.S. Commerce Department & U.S. State Department
European Union
CNNIC
Internet Systems Consortium
Regional Internet Registries (ARIN, APNIC, LACNIC, AFRINIC, RIPE)
VeriSign
Civil society; e.g., Internet Governance Project, ALAC, 
International Telecommunication Union - T
WIPO
MINC
APDIP
ISOC/IETF

f.       Last but not least, why should this issue should be addressed in the first annual meeting of the Forum rather  than in subsequent ones.

Paragraph 71 of the Tunis Agenda requires that the process of "enhanced cooperation" should "proceed as quickly as  possible." 



Dr. Milton Mueller
Syracuse University School of Information Studies
http://www.digital-convergence.org
http://www.internetgovernance.org



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