Argentina

Part 5 of the Chair’s Paper

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.