[governance] IGF consultations - extending IGF's mandate

[Milton L Mueller]

> -----Original Message-----

> Our recommendations should emphasize that the IGF needs its 
> mandate extended
> so that it can evolve. The small secretariat with its direct 
> connection to
> New York has been a successful arrangement that provides 
> flexibility. I
> think it is important that no other UN organization gets 
> involved in the
> IGF's management.
> 
> 
> Any thoughts on this?


I have some thoughts about that. While I basically agree with the idea that no other UN organization needs to get involved in IGF's management, I am not so happy with the "direct connection to New York." There is a complete lack of transparency there. This is mainly an issue with respect to the MAG appointments; essentially civil society and other stakeholders helplessly "suggest" names to the Secretariat which then, with absolute discretion and using criteria we don;t see or understand, makes selections. I understand both the pros and cons of this arrangement, but would prefer a more democratic arrangement in which stakeholder groups actually choose their representatives. 


Milton Mueller
Professor, Syracuse University School of Information Studies
XS4All Professor, Delft University of Technology
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