APC Makes Recommendations for More Successful IGF 2008

The second Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concluded on November 15 and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) after the initial assessment of the event made suggestions for moving towards the third forum in New Delhi in 2008.

- The Rio IGF, like the first IGF in Athens, succeeded as a space for inclusive policy dialogue. The openness of the event�s format and the quality and diversity of the participants deepened understanding of complex and controversial issues, says APC.

The format of the workshops enabled participants to gain a better grasp of both commonality and difference in their positions and opinions. It is this nuanced approach that enables the IGF to influence and inform policy without the constraints of needing to create consensus on negotiated text.

Based on the outcomes of various workshops at the second IGF, and our assessment of the process, APC makes several suggestions, including Establishment of a self-regulatory mechanism to ensure participation, access to information and transparency in internet governance; Convening of regional and national IGFs; Convening of IGF working groups; Effective resourcing of the IGF secretariat.

- The United Nations needs to recognise that the IGF is the outcome of a UN process and should ensure that it has the resources it needs to fulfil its mandate as defined at the Tunis Summit in 2005, says APC.

Strengthening the capacity and legitimacy of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group; Making better use of plenary time; Increased participation in agenda setting; and Learning from experience.

APC also wished India, the host country of the third IFG, all the best in its preparations and expressed their commitment to the process and willingness to provide support in the process where we can.

For the full text with more details on individual recommendations, see the document attached to this article.

Attached files

APC Recommendations

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