[WSIS CS-Plenary] Canada's proposal on IG forum - its COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE

[Jeanette Hofmann]

Hi Parminder, I asked a Canadian delegate the questions you raised in 
your mail. To my surprise, she didn't have to say much on this subject. 
My impression is the Canadian proposal did not leave out deliberately 
the actual purpose of the forum. I think they would be open to 
suggestions regarding this part.
jeanette

Parminder wrote:
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> _______________________________________
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> 
> 
> 
> Hi All, 
> 
> I am sorry to use the the already crowded plenary list to state these views on 
> matters in front of sub-committee A , but I am not subscribed on the IG CS 
> list and I really wanted to share this with all.
> 
> I found a lot of enthusiasm in CS content and themes meeting on the Canadian 
> proposal on the forum. Most of the support came because canadian proposal 
> seems strong on the MSP priciple. That’s great, but we need the 'substance' 
> too - perhaps that may be more important. 
> 
> And if we look at the canadian proposal on the forum from 'substance' 
> or 'content;' angle, it is abysmal (excuse my use of strong language). 
> 
> It completely transforms the very purpose and agenda of the 'forum' as was 
> nicely laid out by WGIG reports points 43 to 47  - it was supposed to be a 
> global IG policy deliberation space. But the canada proposal makes it into a 
> capacity building body for developing countires etc- badly reeking of WIPO's 
> technical assistence programs which suppose that 'they' know everything and 
> the those with poor capacities (read, developing counteries)need to 
> be 'taught' what the right frameworks and concepts are. 
> 
> The canadian proposal (cut-pasted at the end of the email) opens in this 
> fashion -- 
> 
> 
>>>>We commit to establishing a new forum mechanism, dedicated to 
>>>>enhancing the
> 
> capacity of all stakeholders, particularly those from developing countries, to 
> participate fully and effectively in all forums relevant to Internet 
> governance.  >>>
> 
> Were we looking for a forum for this purpose, I thought we wanted it for 
> policy deliberation, advise, taking new issues (see WGIG report, pt.s 43 to 
> 47).... Capacity building is only one of the functions of the forum, and it 
> comes way down on the list.......
> 
> Why is there an attempt to cut out such needed global policy spaces by subtly 
> substituting them with 'capacity building' bodies. And why should the CS be in 
> a hurry to accept that - do we have such aversion to global public policy 
> deliberations and policy development. 
> 
> This is a very status quo-ist view..... Things are fine as they are..... And 
> lets obfuscate and confuse substantial policy issues, since developing 
> countires in any case have poor capacities, and are liable to miss the 
> subterfuge. 
> 
> CS need not be enthused about it just because MSP principle is promised - MSP 
> for what.......
> 
> I thought CS always wanted a forum as proposed by WGIG - the canadian proposal 
> is NOT about the same 'forum'. And if anyone has some doubt, see the fact that 
> canada has even proposed to move the 'forum' section to the part 4 of the 
> working document. This section deals with development aspects of Internet. So 
> the forum is now about building capapcity of developing countires - on issues 
> already decided and firmly established..... It is about development (building 
> capacities of developing countires to adopt to dominant paradigms)and not 
> about the the 'way forward' (which would put the 'forum' in part 5 on the 'way 
> forward'). Pl see canadian proposal below...
> 
> In stating the above, I don’t mean dis-respect for any one's views. This is 
> how I see the whole thing..... I may not have followed the IG debate well, And 
> I will be glad to be corrected on the issues I have put here......
> 
> Regards 
> 
> Parminder
> _____________________________________________
> 
> Canada's proposal 
> 
> Proposed Terms of Reference for Forum on Internet Governance To be inserted 
> either in section 4 (Development), or section 5 (The Way Forward)
> 
> ================
> NEW PARAGRAPH (# to be determined)
> 
> We commit to establishing a new forum mechanism, dedicated to enhancing the 
> capacity of all stakeholders, particularly those from developing countries, to 
> participate fully and effectively in all forums relevant to Internet 
> governance.  Recognizing the rapid development of technology and institutions, 
> we propose that the forum mechanism periodically be reviewed to determine the 
> need for its continuation.  Further, we propose that it be constituted as a 
> neutral, non-duplicative and non-binding process chiefly to facilitate the 
> exchange of information and best practices and to identify issues that are not 
> otherwise being adequately addressed.
> The forum mechanism should be viewed as a continuation of 
> the "multistakeholder" approach of the WSIS, building on the valuable lessons 
> learned in the WSIS and WGIG processes, in particular I the open WGIG 
> consultations.
> 
> We call upon all stakeholders to engage in and fully support this important 
> new mechanism.  The forum mechanism should be established in a timely fashion
> to:
> .      Strengthen and enhance stakeholders' engagement in existing
> and future Internet governance mechanisms, particularly for those from 
> developing countries;
> .      Develop capacity to participate in discussions and decisions
> on pertinent topics under consideration in relevant institutions;
> .      Encourage the full involvement and participation of all
> stakeholders and experts engaged in Internet governance to benefit from their 
> expertise, including those of the academic and scientific communities, to 
> facilitate coordination and collaboration, and to avoid duplication;
> .      Make full use of the tools of the information society to
> conduct capacity building activities, minimizing the need for conferences and 
> face-to-face meetings; and
> .      Establish ongoing electronic forums on pertinent topics and,
> when appropriate, create a permanent on-line record for future use in capacity 
> development activities, and to continue to add value over time.
> 
> 
> -
> 
> Parminder
> 
> www.ITforChange.net
> IT for Change
> Bridging Developmental Realities and Technological Possibilities
> 
> 
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