[governance] Notes for input to opening session statement

[Jeremy Malcolm]

This thread can be used for suggestions of topics to include in the
opening session statement to be delivered by Grace Githaiga.

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:

    * 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.
    * 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.
    * 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.]
    * 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.
    * 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.
    * 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.
    * The involvement of civil society adds democratic legitimacy to
      Internet governance processes, by presenting often overlooked
      perspectives, including those that transcend national borders.


-- 

*Dr Jeremy Malcolm
Project Coordinator*
Consumers International
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