[Governance] UNSG Roadmap on digital cooperation: a brief status-check

Sheetal Kumar sheetal at gp-digital.org
Mon May 10 13:02:07 EDT 2021


Dear all,

Thanks to those who joined the call last week!

Please find below the notes for your reference. Don't hesitate to reach out
if you have any questions,

Best
Sheetal.

UNSG Roadmap on digital cooperation: a brief status-check call,
*Tuesday 04 May*

*Present: Raquel, Amrita, Nnenna, Bruna, Judith, Sheetal, Jovan*


Sheetal explained that the reason for the call was to provide an overview
of the UNSG's efforts so far w/r/t Digital Cooperation, from the High Level
Panel to the Roadmap.

   -

   High-level expert panel was appointed in 2018
   -

   We had a meeting at the global IGF in Paris in 2018 and decided to
   submit an input
   -

   The input focused on the values and principles we recommended the report
   emphasise, as well as existing efforts at the UN level/elsewhere
   -

   The HLP report was released in 2019 at RightsCon Tunis
   -

   UNSG's office launched roundtables
   -

   A number of civil society groups were invited to join roundtables as
   participants/champions
   -

   Tech Envoy
   -

      Nnenna/Web Foundation has been spearheading a group which has sent a
      position paper on the appointment of the Tech Envoy (c 99 groups)
      -

   Roadmap includes various suggestions which roundtables have taken up,
   e.g
   -

      Reform to IGF
      -

         We have supported the relevant IGF’s WG’s output on this
         -

         A number of groups/IGC members have inputted into a consultation
         that the IGF hosted and which closed last month
         -

      Due diligence guidance
      -

         A number of groups, coordinated by Access Now, sent an input
         -

      Trust and security statement
      -

      Digital inclusion metrics
      -

      Appointment of Tech Envoy
      -

         We have sent a position paper and followed up
         - The Tech Envoy is currently on leave pending an investigation
         into sexual harassment claims
         - A few of the NGOs part of the aforementioned coalition had a
         meeting with the Tech Envoy Office a couple of months ago, to
introduce
         ourselves and learn more about the priorities of the Office.
The Office
         wants to prioritise the implementation of the Roadmap in an
inclusive way.


We then discussed the IGF+ model, Jovan made the following points:

   - IGF+ model: was an ‘obvious’ one/ IGF mandate in Tunis Agenda / tested
   model in practice / rare spaces where civil society has reasonable
   ‘footprint’ compared to other spaces where governments and businesses have
   much more influence.
   - IGF needs to evolve - otherwise it will slide slowly into irrelevance.
   In 2006 IGF was almost only space for digital debates. Today, there are
   tens of spaces/places where digital/cyber/tech policy issues are addressed.
   Many of these spaces are not open or fully transparent.
   - IGF irrelevance would be the biggest loss for civil society; some
   governments unease with IGF; some business in ‘wait and see mode’. in 2005
   IGF was Irrelevance - there are a growing number of spaces and places where
   digital issues are discussed;
   - On the leadership/high-level track; it is clear that the IGF does not
   have ‘buy-in’ among leaders in governments, business and civil society.
   Many of them are not aware of the existence of the IGF (an exception is a
   limited segment of the tech community and civil society - ‘usual IGF
   suspects’). If the leadership gap exists, the second question is how to
   fill this gap. It is the background to the current discussion at the IGF
   where we may (dis) agree about details and approaches.
   - During pandemics  governments and the tech sector gained power and
   relevance comparing to civil society. IGF Plus can help ‘check’ the growing
   power of governments and tech business. If it is done in transparent and
   inclusive ways, it could be a great contribution to global governance in
   general.
   - The ultimate question: do we need prominent and solid IGF. If it is
   the case changed are needed (including leadership ‘buy in’). With status
   quo IGF will slide into irrelevance rather soon given the growing need for
   digital governance solutions.
   - Clarity of priority and next steps is needed. It is our responsibility
   not only for the future of IGF but also to global public which in search
   for digital governance solutions.

We agreed we need civil society people who want an improved IGF to speak
more loudly - we need to amplify those voices.



Office of the Tech Envoy:

   - Still deliberating on various options for IGF reform based on feedback
   received.
   - UN agencies are expected to make the decision- maybe by June?


*Next steps: *


*Start drafting support letter:*

   -

   See the points of groups (e.g JustNet) who have voiced concern and make
   sure we’re responding to them/reach out
   -

   Upcoming event where we can voice support for IGF reform: Stockholm
   Internet Forum session on 11th


*Other processes:*

Judith will send information about Open Consultation about the next CWG at
the ITU

*IGF session proposal: *

Bruna and Sheetal to work on a session that discusses the IGF's place in
the IG ecosystem/addresses how the ecosystem has developed




On Tue, 4 May 2021 at 10:20, Sheetal Kumar <sheetal at gp-digital.org> wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> This is just a gentle reminder that our status-check is happening later
> today, at *12 PM UTC.*
>
> Please find the joining details below.
>
> Best
> Sheetal.
>
> Tuesday, 4 May 2021
> 13:00  |  (UTC+01:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London  |  1 hr
>
> Join meeting
> <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683>
>
> *More ways to join:*
>
> *Join from the meeting link*
>
> https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683
>
> *Join by meeting number*
> Meeting number (access code): 163 789 5578
> Meeting password: 8DVfYTbCk62 (83839822 from phones and video systems)
>
> *Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)*
> +44-20-7660-8149,,1637895578#83839822#
> <%2B44-20-7660-8149,,*01*1637895578%2383839822%23*01*> United Kingdom Toll
> Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric password.
>
> *Join by phone*
> +44-20-7660-8149 United Kingdom Toll
> Global call-in numbers
> <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/globalcallin.php?MTID=m15e82ad1f7957f9a641e3b170b632a7c>
>
> *Join by video system, application or Skype for business*
> Dial 1637895578 at webex.com
> You can also dial 62.109.219.4 and enter your meeting number.
>
> On Tue, 27 Apr 2021 at 18:03, Sheetal Kumar <sheetal at gp-digital.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> Thank you for taking the time to fill out the doodle. The time/date that
>> works for most is
>> *12 PM UTC on Tuesday, 04 May. *
>>
>> I have therefore set up a room to meet in. Please see the joining details
>> below. Note, the timezone indicated is BST (UTC+1)
>>
>> See you there!
>>
>> Best
>> Sheetal.
>>
>> Tuesday, 4 May 2021
>> 13:00  |  (UTC+01:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London  |  1 hr
>>
>> Join meeting
>> <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683>
>>
>> *More ways to join:*
>>
>> *Join from the meeting link*
>>
>> https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683
>>
>> *Join by meeting number*
>> Meeting number (access code): 163 789 5578
>> Meeting password: 8DVfYTbCk62 (83839822 from phones and video systems)
>>
>> *Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)*
>> +44-20-7660-8149,,1637895578#83839822#
>> <%2B44-20-7660-8149,,*01*1637895578%2383839822%23*01*> United Kingdom
>> Toll
>> Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric password.
>>
>> *Join by phone*
>> +44-20-7660-8149 United Kingdom Toll
>> Global call-in numbers
>> <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/globalcallin.php?MTID=m15e82ad1f7957f9a641e3b170b632a7c>
>>
>> *Join by video system, application or Skype for business*
>> Dial 1637895578 at webex.com
>> You can also dial 62.109.219.4 and enter your meeting number.
>>
>>
>> On Mon, 26 Apr 2021 at 14:51, Bruna Martins dos Santos <
>> bruna.mrtns at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hey all,
>>>
>>> Hope this email finds you well and safe!
>>>
>>> This is another reminder about our doodle for the* Overview of the UN's
>>> Digital Cooperation Roadmap & relevant CS efforts* Meeting:
>>> https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>>>
>>> So far May 4th is the winning date, but we will close this doodle
>>> tomorrow COB, so please register your interest and availability!
>>>
>>> Best,
>>> Bruna and Sheetal
>>>
>>> On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 1:44 PM Sheetal Kumar <sheetal at gp-digital.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Dear all,
>>>>
>>>> We've had a few responses to the doodle, which is great to see!
>>>>
>>>> This is just a gentle reminder to register your interest & availability
>>>> for an overview of the UN's Digital Cooperation Roadmap & relevant CS
>>>> efforts so far by filling out the doodle here:
>>>> https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Best
>>>> Sheetal.
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, 16 Apr 2021 at 12:52, Sheetal Kumar <sheetal at gp-digital.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Dear all,
>>>>>
>>>>> There have been interesting exchanges on this list regarding the
>>>>> UNSG's Roadmap on digital cooperation, and in particular the proposal for a
>>>>> IGF + and a new 'high level multistakeholder advisory group' or MHLB.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bruna and I thought it might be helpful for those less acquainted with
>>>>> the discussions and with civil society engagement so far to have an
>>>>> overview of how civil society has contributed so far to these discussions
>>>>> and what their current status is.
>>>>>
>>>>> We'd be happy to dedicate an hour or so in the coming weeks to catch
>>>>> people up with what's been happening and answer any questions you may have,
>>>>> as well as provide a space for reflection on the discussions so far.
>>>>>
>>>>> For timezone purposes we suggest holding the call at 1 PM UTC. Please
>>>>> fill out this doodle with some proposed dates in May:
>>>>> https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>>>>>
>>>>> Best
>>>>> Sheetal & Bruna
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> UN Digital Cooperation Process
>>>>>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    Road map for digital cooperation: implementation of the
>>>>>    recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation
>>>>>    <https://undocs.org/A/74/821>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    DiploFoundation summary of the Roadmap on Digital Cooperation
>>>>>    <https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/digital-roadmap-realistic-acceleration-digital-cooperation>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> IGF and Mechanisms for Global Digital Cooperation
>>>>>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    "Recommendation 5A/BOptions for the Future of Global Digital
>>>>>    Cooperation" Paper.
>>>>>    <https://www.global-cooperation.digital/GCD/Redaktion/EN/Downloads/options-for-the-future-of-global-digital-cooperation.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    MAG WG on Strengthening the IGF paper
>>>>>    <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/filedepot_download/10447/2267>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Civil Society Statements, positions and inputs
>>>>>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    Just Net Coalition Statement - More than 170 Civil Society Groups
>>>>>    Worldwide Oppose Plans for a Big Tech Dominated Body for Global Digital
>>>>>    Governance
>>>>>    <https://justnetcoalition.org/big-tech-governing-big-tech.pdf>,
>>>>>    2021.
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    Letter of intent for engagement with the UN SG's Digital
>>>>>    Cooperation efforts
>>>>>    <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maUtIXBF3K74eeN4DSXAFWlggcKguiwhNcrNh0uy-jE/edit>,
>>>>>    October 2020;
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    IGF - Civil Society Joint Statement for Main Session on Digital
>>>>>    Cooperation
>>>>>    <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SH5UB-wi5KRTyF5ZLiPfe06a4DKk2SZTL0DNfwiL_Pc/edit>,
>>>>>    November 2020;
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    The UN HLP on Digital Cooperation: Top-down Calls for More
>>>>>    Cooperation
>>>>>    <https://www.internetgovernance.org/2019/06/25/the-un-hlp-on-digital-cooperation-top-down-calls-for-more-cooperation/>,
>>>>>    Internet Governance Project Blog Post
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    Open letter on the interpretation of paragraph 93(a) of the UN
>>>>>    Secretary-General's Roadmap on Digital Cooperation
>>>>>    <https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/open-letter-interpretation-paragraph-93a-un-secretary-generals-roadmap-digital-cooperation>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    Non-State Actors’ Position Paper on the appointment of the UN Tech
>>>>>    Envoy
>>>>>    <https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/Non-State_Stakeholders_Position_paper_on_UN_Tech_Envoy_.pdf>
>>>>>    - Civil Society Initial Feedback "Developing System-Wide Guidance
>>>>>    on Human Rights Due Diligence for Technology Concept Note."
>>>>>    <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CIA546HakwZTACOCUWz0zybZdhTvghLQznNKW91lPOE/edit>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Engagements
>>>>>
>>>>>    -
>>>>>
>>>>>    IGF High-Level session on Digital Cooperation
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>>
>>>>> *Sheetal Kumar*
>>>>> Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>>>>> T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
>>>>> PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603
>>>>> DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>>
>>>> *Sheetal Kumar*
>>>> Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>>>> T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
>>>> PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603
>>>> DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Bruna Martins dos Santos *
>>>
>>> Advocacy Coordinator | Data Privacy Brazil Research
>>> <https://www.dataprivacybr.org/en/>
>>>
>>> Member | Coalizão Direitos na Rede <https://direitosnarede.org.br/>
>>> Chair | Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group at ICANN
>>> <https://gnso.icann.org/en/about/stakeholders-constituencies/ncsg>
>>> Co-Coordinator | Internet Governance Caucus  <https://igcaucus.org/>
>>>
>>> Twitter: @boomartins <https://twitter.com/boomartins> // Skype:
>>> bruna.martinsantos
>>> bruna at dataprivacybr.org and bruna.mrtns at gmail.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Sheetal Kumar*
>> Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>> T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
>> PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603
>> DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
>
> *Sheetal Kumar*
> Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
> T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
> PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603
> DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>

-- 

*Sheetal Kumar*
Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603 DD7F
E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.igcaucus.org/pipermail/governance/attachments/20210510/69135815/attachment.htm>


More information about the Governance mailing list