[Governance] UNSG Roadmap on digital cooperation: a brief status-check
Jovan Kurbalija
jovank at diplomacy.edu
Wed May 12 07:20:09 EDT 2021
Hi, Parminder
Since e-mail when I was mentioned triggered comments from you, I can say
that I agree with your two points. On the question of the JNC letter I have
some comments (and disagreements) which I can share with JNC or
here. Please advise.
Back to two points from your message….
First, it is true that big civil society networks and organisations are out
of the IGF. Their absence is one of the major weaknesses of the IGF. In
addition, it remains to be seen if the IGF community will respond
proactively to the new wave of grassroots organisations which are
articulating concerns regarding data, privacy, identity, and other issues
that have come into focus during our shift to online due to COVID-19.
Second, governments (and parliaments) should adopt laws and make public
policy decisions as the US White House did on the WTO patent waivers during
pandemics. The policy confusion should be reduced by having clarity on the
core functions of each actor: governments (public policy), businesses
(providing services for society and fostering innovation), and civil
society (making sure that governments and businesses are not ‘carried away’
by their respective powers in the digital realm).
If there is shared clarity on the core functions, we can develop all other
forms of multistakeholder consultations and engagement reflecting legal
requirements, technical functionality and the policy reality.
During my work with the UN Panel, I have never heard that the IGF (or IGF
Plus) should become rule/law making organisation.
Best regards,
Jovan
On Tue, May 11, 2021 at 11:53 AM parminder via Governance <
governance at lists.igcaucus.org> wrote:
> Some passing thought:
>
> The world is amidst a pandemic with global civil society fighting to free
> medical technologies from monopolistic profiteers . A article describes the
> US support for TRPS intellectual property waiver thus:
>
> The U.S. government’s announcement Wednesday that it will enter
> negotiations to waive World Trade Organization (WTO) intellectual property
> rules is a victory for democratizing technology, for rebalancing power
> toward governments and away from corporations, and for the power of
> countries working *together *to fight the global pandemic. This may also
> be the most significant departure from the U.S. government’s longstanding
> commitment to global pharmaceutical monopolies since that regime was first
> introduced via NAFTA negotiations 30 years ago.
>
>
> https://democracyjournal.org/arguments/first-the-waiver-next-lets-vaccinate-the-world/
>
> ENDS
>
> But if the groups like the big supporters of new MS digital coop policy
> body would have their way, we should have Pfizers, and Johnson and
> Johnsons, and the such, sitting at the apex global policy systems
> determining how our covid response should be market-based and we should not
> make such foolish demands like asking for societal needs to trump profit,
> and regulators weighing on production and distribution issues ...
>
> Fortunately, 'they' could not succeed in the health sector, but in the
> digital sector it seems they are close to succeeding, with liberal help
> from civil society quarters. But remember, Apples and Googles of today
> would be some of the biggest health companies of tomorrow.
>
> BTW, our great Bill Gates -- the same one who was asked to co-head the
> Digi Cooperation panel but passed it on to his wife -- stoutly holds firm
> that TRIP intellectual property waiver for covid is not at all needed.
> This, even as the biggest political force defending pharma monopolies, the
> US government, later supported the waiver, leaving that self professed czar
> of global public health blushing, and subject to much global reprobation.
> If likes of Bill Gates give such advice in an area which he chose
> voluntarily to do his philanthropy in, what kind of advice he, and his ilk,
> would give in an area where Gates earned all his fortune, and still earns
> it!
>
> But both the irony and profanity of rooting for such global policy systems
> as the proposed MS Digi Coop body so completely misses the civil society
> here! One wonders why exactly, what is it that one is missing?
>
> Anyway, do what you would. But know that the world is watching, will ask
> for accountabilities at some time. Even CS has to be accountable.
>
> BTW, if you all are so righteous about what you are up to, why not open up
> an interaction with social movements and big civil society groups in all
> different areas. After all, digital being a cross-cutting horizontal area,
> the civil society in this area should have close connections with groups in
> other areas and be serving their interests, as all sectors get
> digitalisation. Or do people disagree with this proposition?
>
> My call to open a dialogue with other global CS groups in different
> sectors, and justify your stances, is a serious one. Any takers?
>
> best, parminder
>
>
> On 10/05/21 10:32 pm, Sheetal Kumar via Governance wrote:
>
> 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|
>
>
>
>
> --
> Governance mailing list
> Governance at lists.igcaucus.org
> https://lists.igcaucus.org/mailman/listinfo/governance
>
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