IGF 2023 Open Forum #89 Multistakeholder Model - Driver for Global Services and SDGs

Format

Round Table - 90 Min

Description

ICANN’s Open Forum will explore the achievements driven by the multistakeholder model in shaping the Internet ecosystem. This session will highlight the success of the multistakeholder model for , fostering an inclusive and accessible digital environment and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. The multistakeholder model is critical to at the heart of everything ICANN does - whether its developing policies of the technical implementation of those policies to manage the unique identifiers that maintain a single stable interoperable Internet sharing a common Internet protocol.. Central to our discussion will be the IANA transition. This milestone established ICANN as an independent global organization accountable to the global Internet community, demonstrating how collaboration and consensus-driven decision-making drives positive change. The transition and the self governance since that time exemplifies the success of the multistakeholder model We will showcase the Internet's resilience – uninterrupted service for over 35 years. This achievement stands as a testament to its reliability and unwavering connectivity, benefiting billions of users worldwide. It underscores the collective efforts and shared responsibility of all stakeholders. Additionally, we will explore the Internet's response during the global pandemic, its ability to scale up immediately providing essential connectivity for remote work, education, and access to critical services, family and friends. This highlights how a shared set of protocols and the collaboration of diverse stakeholders can swiftly address emerging challenges, ensuring the Internet's availability and functionality. Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) will also be examined, empowering diverse languages and cultures to thrive on the Internet. This development illustrates how the multistakeholder model promotes inclusivity and amplifies voices from all backgrounds. Furthermore, we will delve into other ICANN activities, including initiatives such as the Coalition for Digital Africa and the expansion of the Top-Level Domain (TLD) space. These initiatives underscore ICANN's commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and equitable access to the Internet, especially in bridging the digital divide in underserved regions. Join ICANN Board Members and CEO in this engaging session as they explore the resounding success of the multistakeholder model in shaping an inclusive, resilient, and collaborative Internet ecosystem and its critical role in achieving the sustainable development goals. By reflecting on these achievements, we collectively recognize the power of the multistakeholder model in addressing global stakeholder development and services needs and Internet governance challenges

The session will adopt a hybrid format, accommodating both virtual and onsite participation of panelists and attendees. Structured with a focus on interactive engagement, the session will dedicate at least 20% of its duration to questions, comments, and discussion. Ensuring equal treatment for all participants, robust communication channels between onsite and online moderators will be established through private chats and extensive information exchange during the session. Drawing from ICANN's experience in conducting successful hybrid public meetings, best practices will be implemented to foster vibrant interaction for both in-person and remote participants. To facilitate active engagement, the session will actively monitor the chat and Q&A pod (if available). Efforts will be made to leverage the features of the Zoom platform or other available tools to enhance interaction, where feasible. ICANN, having conducted numerous meetings and working group sessions online since March 2020, along with several hybrid ICANN meetings by the time of the IGF 2023, will bring valuable expertise in optimizing interaction dynamics. Recognizing the challenges posed by time zone disparities, participants unable to attend in real-time will have the opportunity to submit questions to the session organizers in advance. Furthermore, background materials will be provided ahead of the session, enabling attendees to familiarize themselves with the topic beforehand. Following the session, any outstanding questions will be addressed privately, and avenues for ongoing engagement with ICANN will be provided, ensuring a continued exchange of ideas and information beyond the session itself.

Organizers

ICANN

Veni Markovski, ICANN, 

Vera Major, ICANN,

Rebbeca McGilley, ICANN, 

Speakers

Sally Costerton, Interim ICANN President and CEO,

Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board,

Onsite Moderator - Veni Markovski

Online Moderator - Vera Major

Rapporteur - Rebecca McGilley

IGF 2023 WS #297 Digital Inclusion Through a Multilingual Internet

Format

Round Table - 90 Min

Policy Question(s)

1. What are the barriers that are keeping people from using the Internet in their own language?
2. How can we surmount these barriers through technical and policy coordination?
3. In what ways does Internet multilingualism support the broader goal of digital inclusion?

Organizer 1: Susan Chalmers, NTIA
Organizer 2: Jennifer Chung, 

Speaker 1: Inne Anne-Rachel, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Edmon Chung, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Dawit Bekele, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 4: Alan Davidson, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 5: Akinori MAEMURA, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 6: Theresa Swinehart, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Moderator

Susan Chalmers, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Jennifer Chung, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group

Rapporteur

Susan Chalmers, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

IGF 2023 WS #481 Barriers to Inclusion: Strategies for People with Disability

Format

Round Table - 60 Min
Policy Question(s)

What policies can be implemented in your region to ensure that technology and digital services are designed and developed to be inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities? (Please specify your region when responding to this question).

How can the digital divide between people with disabilities and those without disability be bridged, what strategies can be employed to ensure that technology is used to empower rather than marginalize people with disabilities?

How can training and education programs be made more accessible and inclusive to meet the needs of people with disabilities?

Organizer 1: Theorose Elikplim Dzineku, 
Organizer 2: Marjorie Mudi Gege, Emerge Africa
Organizer 3: Saba Tiku Beyene, 
Organizer 4: James Amattey, Norenson IT

Speaker 1: Theorose Elikplim Dzineku, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Judith Hellerstein, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Muhammad Kamran, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Denise Leal, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Moderator

Marjorie Mudi Gege, Civil Society, African Group

Online Moderator

James Amattey, Technical Community, African Group

Rapporteur

Saba Tiku Beyene, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group

October 9 15:15-16:45

Workshop Rm 10

Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability --Re-envisioning DCAD for the Future

This round table DCAD Session to review our work for 2023 including a discussion of the Governance Documents, our contributions to the Global Digital Compact, and our efforts to improve the accessibility of online events and how to ensure that persons with disabilities, no matter where they live, are included in the inner circle of discussions that the leadership panel and the IGF MAG.

Today only about 3% of the Internet is accessible to people with disabilities, despite the 1.3 billion people globally who live with a disability. In particular, only a small number of online services are accessible to persons with disabilities. We will discuss different capacity-building activities, plans, and possible research initiatives that DCAD can contribute to or organize during the coming year

Lightning talk: How do we develop &scale equitable pathways to jobs in infrastructure

How do we develop and scale equitable pathways to jobs in infrastructure, technology and cyber I have seen the impact to date of new legislation in the US, which has mobilized a need for a more skilled workforce to improve Internet infrastructure, workforce development programs, and local capacity-building initiatives for socio-economic development. My Lighting Talk will explore ways and means that communities are trying to create a more skilled workforce:1) Training Programs, that include hands-on assistance, 2) Mentorship, 3) Apprenticeship, 4) Dissemination of information across communities, and 5) Networking opportunities.

(UTC time)
Oct 10  6.15-7.45

Local time
15.15-16.45

Workshop Rm RmJ

Dynamic Coalition on Small Island Developing States in the Internet Economy

Addressing Challenges in Developing a Unified Digital Platform for Small Island Developing States in the Global Digital Economy

 https://intgovforum.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqdOugqDsqHN2V7PvtWb4oKRcCfzw0GUFS
Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (06:15 UTC) - Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (07:45 UTC)
Round Table - 90 Min
Theme: Digital Divides & Inclusion
Subtheme(s): Affordable Access, Skills Building for Basic and Advanced Technologies (Meaningful Access)

Overview: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in the global digital economy, including limited access to resources, infrastructure, and technology. The Dynamic Coalition on Small Island Developing States in the Internet Economy (DC-SIDS) is committed to addressing these challenges by developing a unified, shared digital platform that empowers SIDS to participate fully in the global digital economy. However, developing such a platform comes with its own set of challenges. This roundtable workshop will bring together stakeholders to identify and solve the challenges of developing a unified digital platform for SIDS.

Objectives:

- To explore the previous and existing attempts to bring SIDS together via digital and other means, and explore their relative successes and failures.

- To identify the challenges faced in developing a unified digital platform for SIDS and explore potential solutions.

- To discuss the benefits of a unified digital platform for SIDS and its potential impact on economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

- To showcase successful examples of digital platforms that have benefited SIDS and explore how they can be adapted to other SIDS.

- To develop strategies for addressing the challenges of developing a unified digital platform for SIDS.

SDGs: 1. No Poverty, 3. Good Health and Well-Being, 4. Quality Education, 7. Affordable and Clean Energy, 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 10. Reduced Inequalities

Targets: A Unified Digital Platform can help SIDS achieve several of these goals. For example, it can help promote economic growth and job creation. It can also help improve access to education and healthcare. In addition, it can help promote sustainable development by reducing the environmental impact of economic activities.

Rodney Taylor, SG CTU, Trinidad & Tobago
Tatevik Grigoryan, UNESCO
June Parris, Barbados
Carlton Samuels
Lance Hinds
Niel Harper
Patrick (TTNIC)
Michele Marius
Genelle Lake

(UTC time)
Oct 10  7:20-8:50

Local time
16.20-17:50

WS 11 Rm J

Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values (DC-CIV)
IGF 2023 DC-CIV Evolving Regulation and its impact on Core Internet Values

Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values

https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2023-dc-civ-evolving-regulation-and-its-impact-on-core-internet-values

Round Table - 90 Min
Theme

Avoiding Internet Fragmentation
Subtheme(s)

International Legal Perspectives
Description

The Core Internet Values, which comprise the technical architectural values by which the Internet is built and evolves, and derives what can be called ‘social’ or, in other words, ‘universal’ values that emerge from the way the Internet works. The Internet is a global medium open to all, regardless of geography or nationality. It's interoperable because it's a network of networks. It doesn't rely on a single application. It relies on open protocols such as TCP/IP and BGP. It's free of any centralized control, except for the needed coordination of the Domain Name System. It's end to end, so traffic from one end of the network to the other end of the network goes unhindered. It's user centric, and users have control over what they send and receive. And it's robust and reliable. The Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values held sessions at the 2020 and the 2021 IGFs discussing Internet in Crisis Management and Renewal and its evolution when faced with the Global Health Pandemic. In 2022, we discussed the Geopolitical neutrality of the Global Internet which touched on the possibility of a sanctions regime on the Internet. Every year, there seems to be another challenge one of the most basic Core Internet Values: its Uniqueness. In 2023, the world's economy having not recovered from the challenges of previous years, with a local crisis having global implications, inflation has affected the economy of many countries and with this, price pressures on services which might have been cheaper in the past. What was "free" on the Internet might no longer make sense financially for companies offering the service and might end up behind a paywall. What was "free" movement of information in the past might not be seen by governments as a good thing today. What was "free" connectivity might not be financially sustainable any longer. What was "free" might be blocked tomorrow - for whatever reason. Are the Core Values that gave Internet its "freedom" at risk? Regulation is now firmly back on the agenda - for all of the above reasons. In fact, was regulation ever off the agenda? Was it overshadowed by more pressing topics? Was it just evolving out of the public eye? How could it lead to fragmentation? After all, isn't regulation meant to serve the people?

As per previous experiences of having both online and in person participants, the main speaking queue will be held online, with the online moderator monitoring this queue. A speaking queue in the room will insert speakers in the online queue. All speakers and attendees will be prompted to introduce themselves before speaking. The session will actually have key participants that will both be present in person and online, so as to put them on a par basis with all other participants. The DC on Core Internet Values practised this in its past sessions at IGF with much success.

SDGs

1.4
1.5
1.b
4.4
8.2
8.3
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10.2
16.10
16.6
16.7

Targets: The above SDGs relate to reducing poverty by providing a dynamic environment that allows for all and everyone to succeed economically. The open nature of the Internet is such that it fosters innovation. But so many factors today are likely to affect it negatively thus affecting the above listed SDGs negatively. Over-regulation has the strong potential to negatively affect the poorest - because over-regulation can induce added costs which are not affordable by everyone. Internet Fragmentation resulting from over-regulation will widen the divide between the rich and poor, as the rich will be able to navigate the fragmentation whilst the poor won't. Poverty is less likely to be ended. Industry, innovation and infrastructure is likely to suffer.

Thursday, 12th October, 2023 10.30am (01:30 UTC) - Thursday, 12th October, 2023 12 noon (3:00 UTC)

Room A

IGF 2023 WS #307 Data Governance in Broadband Satellite Services

Subtheme

Data Governance & Trust
Data Localization, Data Residency, and Data Sovereignty

Format

Round Table - 90 Min
Policy Question(s)

How are national and international laws applied in the governance of LEO satellites and multi-orbital solutions in the context of data flows, privacy, personal data protection, and cybersecurity? What are potential benefits and challenges of satellite-dependent Internet access in achieving the SDGs? How can we ensure this technology is implemented sustainably, respects privacy and personal data protection, and addresses cybersecurity concerns? How can Internet access be considered a fundamental human right and be made accessible to all, including marginalized communities and developing countries? What regulatory frameworks and policies are needed to ensure equitable and inclusive access to satellite-dependent Internet services?

What will participants gain from attending this session?

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and threats associated with this new technology, particularly in regards to transboundary data flows. They will also learn about the existing international legal framework designed to ensure the peaceful exploration and use of space, and how it applies to the regulation of commercial communication satellites. Privacy and cybersecurity concerns related to Low Earth Orbit satellite technology will be addressed with reference to these norms.

Furthermore, participants will gain insights into the potential of LEO satellite technology to complement existing infrastructure and further global connectivity, while addressing concerns related to sustainability, privacy, and cybersecurity. We will in particular look at data flows enabled with this new infrastructure component, looking at regional approaches to privacy, personal data and national security concerns. Overall, attendees will leave the session with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by satellite-dependent internet access, and the necessary measures required to govern its use and implementation.

 
SDGs

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
17. Partnerships for the Goals

Description:

The primary objective of this panel is to evaluate the advantages and challenges associated with satellite-dependent Internet access and identify the potential benefits and risks regarding the transboundary flow of data. The panel examines this new phenomenon by referring to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international law, and regulatory snapshots from African countries, analyzing whether current policies provide practical solutions to potential issues.  (How) can non-spacefaring nations engage with LEO satellite Internet connectivity in a way that contributes to closing the digital divide while recognizing their understanding of digital sovereignty?
 

The panel begins with the premise that the governance of outer space is based on its identification as a global commons - a resource that is not owned by any one nation but is essential to the future of all humanity. As a result, all space-related activities, including the domestic regimes that regulate the launch and operation of commercial communication satellites, are anticipated to comply with international space law. The international legal framework is intended to guarantee the peaceful exploration and utilization of space. Likewise, the telecommunications sector has long been regulated at the national, regional, and international levels. Therefore, concerns related to privacy and cybersecurity related to the use of LEO satellite technology are likely to be addressed by these norms.

To legally provide satellite internet, host countries must adhere to international regulatory guidelines, which involve obtaining proper authorization and licensing. This includes granting landing rights, licensing the import and setup of equipment, managing frequency spectrum, and delivering internet services. It is essential to have a partially liberalized telecommunications market that encourages investment in ground stations, access points, and downstream services to establish a thriving satellite services ecosystem.

Addressing sustainable internet access at the development stage of the infrastructure for new generation mobile technologies, along with LEO satellite technology, will directly benefit the implementation of the SDGs and the communities they aim to support. Therefore, a concise and well-supported narrative on the need for sustainable internet access is essential.

Overall, this panel assesses the potential advantages and disadvantages of satellite-dependent internet access, recognizing the significance of global governance of outer space in ensuring peaceful exploration and use. Through an examination of the current legal framework and the identification of its shortcomings, the panel aims to support the implementation and use of this new technology to further global connectivity while addressing concerns related to sustainability, privacy, and cybersecurity, with a particular emphasis on transboundary data flows.

Global Internet Governance Academic Network (GigaNet) has endorsed this panel as per its policy: https://www.giga-net.org/endorsements/.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcome of this session is to deepen the understanding of the opportunities and challenges of satellite-dependent Internet access, particularly in relation to the transboundary flows of data, privacy, personal data protection, and cybersecurity. The insights gained from this session will contribute to ongoing efforts to interpret and address the existing legal framework governing satellite technology and Internet access. This session will build on previous work, including a report, peer-reviewed publications, and a survey, and may lead to further publications or follow-up events to advance the discussion on these important issues. By clarifying applicable policies and regulatory frameworks and assessing their limitations, this workshop will provide attendees with valuable insights into the governance of LEO satellite technology and multi-orbital solutions, with a focus on privacy and data flows, as well as its potential impact on sustainable development.

Hybrid Format:
To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we will leverage the extensive experience of our panelists and use the online moderator to ensure equal participation between onsite and online attendees. We will provide scoping questions ahead of the session through social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn to increase participation and ensure the best possible experience for all attendees. During the session, we will allow written questions to be asked by online participants through the chat feature and by both onsite and online participants using specific hashtags on social media. We will manage the interaction queue appropriately. We will also ensure people online can hear questions and information provided onsite, repeating information if necessary. Additionally, we may use polls, quizzes, and word clouds from services such as Mentimeter (https://www.mentimeter.com/ ) or Slido (https://www.slido.com ), where people can participate via mobile phones, both onsite and online.

Background Paper

Reference Document

9 Oct 
11.30 - 12.30
(2.30-3.30 utc)
Room 
ICC Jyoto Bilateral Room 4

DotAsia Member Engagement meeting 

zoom: https://aji.asia/dotasiamembers

This meeting is for DotAsia members to discuss proposed amendments to the DotAsia Articles of Association. The proposal and correspondence has also been posted to the DotAsia website:

https://www.dot.asia/proposed-amendments-to-the-dotasia-articles-of-association-2023/

12 October

9.45-11.15am (local time)

From IGF to GDC: A New Era of Global Governance: A SIDS Perspective

For the first time, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union will host an Open Forum at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UNIGF). This Open Forum aims to share experiences, discuss the global digital economy, inequality, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prepare proposals for the Global Digital Compact (GDC). The discussions will address the UNIGF shortcomings, specifically for developing countries and small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean.

The aim is to ensure that that Global Digital Compact takes into account the shortcomings of the UN IGF process, specifically as it relates to Dynamic Coalitions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and identifies opportunities and mechanisms to address these shortcomings. All of the issues that will be addressed in the open forum, which takes the format of a panel discussion, are issues that the Caribbean is currently grappling with and which are presenting major social and economic developmental challenges to the region.  

TTMAG