ICANN IN OCEANIA WORKING GROUP TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background and Purpose

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was founded in 1998 to coordinate at a global level Internet naming and numbering resources. Through its Global Partnerships team, ICANN has been working closely with stakeholders in regions around the world to strengthen participation in its processes. This effort by Global Partnerships team has resulted in increasing participation in ICANN constituencies, including from the Oceania region. Over the past six years, several ccTLD managers and governments from Oceania have joined the ccNSO and GAC respectively; few At-Large structures have been approved and other individuals have participated in various constituencies and working groups. The ICANN fellowship program enabled a number of representations from various Pacific island countries and territories.

 

The internationalization of the organization and globalization of engagement are of increasing importance. Starting with Africa, a regional strategy was developed as a result of a meeting between African community and ICANN leaders at ICANN 44th meeting in Prague. A working group was created and endorsed by African community to work on an initial plan to be presented at the ICANN 45th meeting in Toronto. Following the presentation in Toronto, ICANN has started working on the implementation plan. At the same time, similar efforts have been taking place in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East aiming at strengthening ICANN engagement. The Asia Pacific and European region are also considering to have their own engagement strategy plans to be put forth as well.

 

ICANN staffs (GSE, IANA, Security, L-root) have been engaging the Oceania community members at a number of regional forums addressing government regulators, ICT industry players including network operator groups, academia, civil society and regional IGOs. A number of ad-hoc meetings have also been conducted with attendees from Australia, NZ and the Pacific. At the recent ICANN 47 meeting, some Oceania participants present discussed and agreed that the region should also work on its own regional stakeholder engagement strategy to benefit the region. 

 

ICANN needs to effect more engagement with the Oceania community. Some feedback already received includes:

- There are some small ccTLD registries are in need of training in managing a ccTLD registry and introduction of new tools and policy development.

- A lack of understanding about the global domain name industry and such things as domaining suggests a small regional ICANN meeting to include sessions on the industry and  “how to :” sessions on registry/registrar services would be beneficial.

- Governments in the region (with exception of Australia and New Zealand) struggle to understand Internet and Internet Governance issues especially what is being discussed in ICANN so partnerships with regional bodies may assist in their understanding.

 

The above are some examples that a volunteer working group for the Oceania Strategy could consider when working on what priorities ICANN should consider in its engagement in the Oceania region.

Such a working group should identify a set of action items in the form of activities and projects for ICANN to implement in partnership with stakeholders in the region. The goal is to finalize the strategy with plans for implementation by ICANN 49th meeting in Singapore.

 

Objectives of the strategy

Foster two-way engagement between ICANN and the Oceania community at various levels including:

  • Grass root engagement with community members, including organizing, sponsoring and participating in events and activities in the region; promoting Internet multi-stakeholder governance model; encouraging effective participation in ICANN processes, including in filling positions on Board and SO/AC; encouraging more participation in the Fellowship Program.
  • Formal relationships with key stakeholders including through agreements, exchange of letters, MOUs, etc.
  • High-level relationships at leadership level between ICANN and key stakeholders in the region.

 

Identify areas of mutual interest to engage in, along with related projects and partners required for implementation:

  • Capacity building programs: technical programs in DNS related areas, Internet policy and governance programs, etc.
  • DNS industry development: business development through incubators, and centers of excellence in areas pertaining to DNS.

 

Working Modality

A Working Group shall be created of Oceania community members who have been active in ICANN and other Internet policy processes. The WG should reflect balance in stakeholder representation and regional geographical diversity. The group shall work primarily through email and tele-conferences, and if needed, a face-to-face meeting can be organized. ICANN shall support the WG, and facilitate its work.

 

Scope of Work

The WG shall develop a 3-year strategy focusing on ICANN engagement in Oceania, as well as a 1-year action plan identifying specific projects and activities to be undertaken. The WG shall seek feedback on its work from the wider Oceania community.

 

Timeline and Milestones

Aug-13

  • Draft terms of reference for the strategy
  • Identify and recruit the full membership of the WG
  • Kick off call with the WG to agree on the work plan

Sep-13

  • Two tele-conference calls
  • First draft of the engagement strategy

Oct-13

  • Two tele-conference calls
  • Face-to-Face meeting (if needed)
  • Second draft of the engagement strategy for wider community feedback

Nov-13

  • Two tele-conference calls
  • Final version of the engagement strategy
  • First draft of the action plan, presentation at ICANN 48, Buenos Aires

Dec-13

  • Feedback on action plan

Jan-14

  • Final version of the action plan

Mar-14

  • Presentation at ICANN 49, Singapore
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