<div dir="ltr">Ian,<div>I presume the membership of CSCG saw this first before been sent.</div><div>Regards.</div><div>-Akinbo.</div></div><div class="gmail_extra"><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Thu, Nov 27, 2014 at 4:27 AM, Ian Peter <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:ian.peter@ianpeter.com" target="_blank">ian.peter@ianpeter.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
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<div dir="ltr">
<div style="FONT-SIZE:12pt;FONT-FAMILY:'Calibri';COLOR:#000000">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Below is a copy of a letter sent yesterday by
Internet Governance Civil Society Coordination Group (CSCG) to the NETMundial
Transitional Council. The letter follows from firstly a discussion with NMI as
regards our concerns with process, suggesting some more acceptable alternatives,
and secondly a period of consultation with members of various civil society
coalitions about this and other concerns.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span>FYI</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span>Ian
Peter</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span>LETTER
FOLLOWS </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Dear Virgilio, Richard and
Fadi,</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>As members of the Internet Governance Civil
Society Coordination Group (CSCG), we write to express our appreciation for your
openness in working with us to negotiate the terms of civil society’s
participation in the NETmundial Initiative; in particular, by accommodating our
expectation, drawn from the NETmundial Principles, that if we are to participate
on the Coordination Council, we should nominate our own
representatives.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Since our initial agreement on this principle,
we have been consulting with our constituents about whether civil society ought
to avail itself of this opportunity at all. We must say that this has been
a difficult question, at the end of which there remain some very significant
misgivings across a broad segment of civil society about the merits of our
prospective involvement.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Among the underlying concerns of many are that
the involvement of the World Economic Forum in the initiative signals an attempt
by economic and political elites to secure a central role in Internet
governance; that the Initiative has been organised in a top-down manner that
privileges its three promoters above other stakeholders; and that devoting time
and resources to the Initiative may detract from other processes such as the
Internet Governance Forum.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>On the other hand, others recognise the
opportunity that exists for civil society to help shape the NETmundial
Initiative into a mechanism (but not the only mechanism) that can advance the
NETmundial roadmap. Despite significant shortcomings in the NETmundial
Multistakeholder Statement stemming from influence exerted by powerful actors
towards the end of the process, much of the document, including the roadmap,
does enjoy broad civil society support.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>OUR INVOLVEMENT AND PROCESS</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>In the end we have decided to facilitate the
involvement of those from civil society who do wish to apply for membership of
the Coordination Council, while acknowledging others have decided as a matter of
principle that they do not wish to be involved—and indeed would rather that
civil society did not participate at all. We acknowledge and respect that our
colleagues from Just Net Coalition have taken that position and will not be
participating with us in this exercise.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>The process we have agreed to work with
is</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>1. At the close of nominations (December 6),
CSCG Nomcom will review all nominations for civil society participation and
evaluate each candidate’s suitability.<br><br>2. CSCG Nomcom will recommend one
candidate per geographic region, and submits names to Transitional Council with
reasons.<br><br>3. If necessary, NMI Transitional Council will convene a
(virtual) meeting with CSCG Nomcom to discuss any issues arising, with a view to
reaching a rough consensus agreement if there are any issues with our
nominations. If there is a strong dissenting voice from another area of civil
society they may also be invited to participate after
discussion.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Although we will work with the NETmundial
Initiative’s organising partners to select willing civil society representatives
from amongst those who self-nominate through the Initiative’s nomination
process, we also outline five simple conditions that we believe representatives
are likely to affirm following their appointment to the Coordination
Council:</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>1. We would like the Co-ordination Council to
discuss whether CGI.br, WEF and ICANN should have permanent membership of the
Coordination Council and what that implies. Whilst it is acknowledged that the
above organisations are jointly funding the operational expenses of the
Initiative for its first year, this might not remain so. We are not convinced
that funding support is sufficient justification for such a role, and we believe
that the full Coordination Council itself should approve any permanent seats and
what that implies.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>2. To the extent that a stated objective of the
Coordination Council is "promoting the distributed Internet governance model,”
we want to point out that the status quo in Internet governance does not
represent the fulfilment of this model. The NETmundial Initiative should not be
used to legitimise existing inequalities and deficiencies of the present system
and should not hold civil society back from advocating necessary
reforms.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>3. While we acknowledge the progressive elements
of the NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement, it is not the final and definitive
statement of Internet governance principles; indeed the Statement itself
acknowledges that it is only a work in progress. So we do not see the NETmundial
roadmap as an immutable document. We look forward to its refinement and/or
augmentation and hope that NMI ensures a bottom up collaborative process to
undertake this work.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>4. A key performance indicator for the
NETmundial Initiative must be the extent to which its activities strengthen and
support the Internet Governance Forum, which remains the most significant global
hub for general multi-stakeholder Internet governance policy discussions. If the
IGF develops the capacity to assume further activities that currently might not
fall within their capabilities, this should be facilitated, not
opposed.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>5. We will wish to evaluate from time to time
whether this engagement is providing effective and worthwhile results for our
constituencies.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>We trust that our participation in this
Initiative can be accepted with these conditions, and we look forward to working
with you to select a balanced, inclusive and capable slate of civil society
nominees to join the Coordination Council.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Sincerely,</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><b><span><font>CSCG Nomcom for NMI Co ordination Council
</font></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><b><span><font></font></span></b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><b><span><font>Participating member
coalitions</font></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Association for Progressive Communications,
represented by Chat Garcia Ramilo, Deputy Executive Director</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Best Bits, represented by Jeremy Malcolm,
Steering Committee member</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Diplo Foundation, represented by Ginger
(Virginia) Paque, Internet Governance Programmes</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Internet Governance Caucus, represented by Dr
Mawaki Chango, Co-Coordinator</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>The Non-Commercial Stakeholders Group, (NCSG)
represented by Robin Gross, NCSG Executive Committee</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font></font></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt;LINE-HEIGHT:normal"><span><font>Ian Peter, Independent
Chair</font></span></p></div></div></div>
<br>_______________________________________________<br>
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