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 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 by 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.
