We recognize the efforts deployed by the initiators of the Internet, and the
need to guarantee a stable and secure operation of this efficient tool for
humanity. We are also convinced that there is a need for an evolutionary process
towards a new transparent, democratic, and multilateral framework, with the
participation of government, private sector, civil society and international
organizations.
We support the evolution and internationalization of the Internet governance
system, based on the Geneva Principles through existing and future mechanisms,
institutions and fora.
It is our conviction that all stakeholders -- governments, the private sector,
civil society and other interested parties -- should actively participate in
Internet governance in a coordinated and balanced manner, commensurate with
their respective roles and responsibilities.
We recall that the main responsibility of all stakeholders is awareness raising,
capacity building and to propose solutions to accelerate availability and
affordability of Internet in developing world.
In order to strengthen the global multistakeholder interaction and cooperation
on public policy issues and developmental aspects relating to Internet
governance we propose a forum.
This forum should not replace existing mechanisms or institutions but should
build on the existing structures on Internet governance, should contribute to
the sustainability, stability and robustness of the Internet by addressing
appropriately public policy issues that are not otherwise being adequately
addressed (referred to in para....) excluding any involvement in the day to day
operation of the Internet. It should be constituted as a neutral,
non-duplicative and non-binding process to facilitate the exchange of
information and best practices and to identify issues and make known its
findings, to enhance awareness and build consensus and engagement. Recognizing
the rapid development of technology and institutions, we propose that the forum
mechanism periodically be reviewed to determine the need for its continuation.
We also encourage the development of multistakeholder processes at the national
and regional levels to discuss and collaborate on Internet expansion and
dissemination and support development efforts to achieve Millenium Declaration
goals and to support global processes.
We further recommend an evolutionary approach to existing arrangements which
aims to ensure that they operate in an efficient, transparent, and democratic
multistakeholder fashion, and also to ensure equitable resource distribution
leading to internationalized functions of the Internet, in particular with the
following actions:
The reinforcement of the role of Governments in ICANN decision making
with regard to relevant Internet public policy issues;
The reinforcement of the Internet Regional Resource Management
Institutions, to ensure regional autonomy in Internet resource management;
The continued internationalization of ICANN and its functions;
The strengthening of the participation of developing countries in
specialized institutions for the technical management and standardization
Internet bodies.
Call for the follow up of this evolutionary approach which should be in the
context of relevant international institutions, and coordinated by the UN
system.
We call upon the UN Secretary General to organize the forum as soon as possible
in 2006.
We encourage also to establish several fora at national, regional and global
levels to discuss and collaborate on Internet expansion and dissemination and to
support development efforts to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.
