Name: Julf (Johan) Helsingius Declared region of residence: EU (Netherlands) Gender: Male Employment: Chairman of the Board, BaseN (IoT service provider based in Finland) Any conflicts of interest: None
Reasons for willingness to take on the tasks of the particular position: Having spent 5 years on the GNSO Council, and been involved with ICANN much longer, I am painfully aware of both the challenges facing ICANN and the community, as well as how the non- commercial and civil society viewpoints tend to be ignored. I am hoping I can make a positive contribution to representing and focusing the interests of the community
Qualifications for the position: Coming from a technical background, I have been involved with the Internet community for something like 35 years, and strongly defended freedom of speech and civil rights (earning me the EFF Pioneer Award back in 1997), and been part of many different internet governance and policy processes and forums. I have served 2 years as NomCom appointee to the GNSO Council, 3 years as the GNSO liaison to the GAC, as well as chair of the GNSO Standing Selection Committee. I am currently serving as the chair of the Finnish chapter of Internet Society, and co-chair of the RIPE cooperation (permanent) working group.
I also used to be a member of the cypherpunks movement that resulted in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies (I piloted David Chaum's eCash technology back in the 90s), so quite familiar with the "web 3.0" technologies that might threaten the current DNS system.
Statement of availability for the time the position requires: My current day job as Chairman of the Board for BaseN takes approximately 2 days a week, and my other duties a day or so more, leaving 2 days per week free for NCSG duties (if needed).
Optionally, any other information that the candidate believes is relevant: Cultural reference - while I am an European white male with a grey beard, I am culturally confused (Swedish-speaking Finn living in the Netherlands, married to an American).
Affiliation: Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation (AODIRF)
Do you have any conflict of interest?: None
Reasons for willingness to take on the position: I appreciate the nomination and support received from the community to continue serving on the council. Serving on the council has given me a comprehensive view and understanding of GNSO and practical policy development, my first term has been a learning curve in practical policy work. I have listened to and learned a lot from colleagues on the council, and I've had the opportunity to harness my policy development skills. This experience has primed me strongly if considered for my second term. Not only will I be able to continue supporting NCSG and policy work but also be given the chance to coach and elevate the community in ensuring we can all be at our best and exceed expectations every step of the way.
Qualification for the position: I have over 15 years of expertise implementing various types of policies on e-Government Network and Infrastructure, e-Government Applications, Community Networks, Internet Governance policy formulation and community development, open data policy creation and implementation, Geospatial Technologies policies and implementation, and Event Planning and Management.
For several years, I've been a part of the global Internet governance community, participating in a variety of roles and strategic leadership positions at both the national and international levels. Many legislative gains for a sustainable Internet in Africa have been lobbied for, fostered, and impacted by me.
I am now the Executive Director of the Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation (AODIRF) as well as the organizer of the Africa Geospatial Data and Information Conference and Africa Open Data Conference.
How many Hours a week you are able to dedicate to the position: I have enough time to devote to council work.
Are you involved in any working Groups or PDP efforts, if so please state: Transfer policy review working group Council Committee for Overseeing and Implementing Continuous Improvement (CCOICI) GNSO Council Small Team on DNS Abuse
