FINAL VERSION TO BE SUBMITTED IF RATIFIED
The final version to be submitted, if the draft is ratified, will be placed here by upon completion of the vote.
FINAL DRAFT VERSION TO BE VOTED UPON BY THE ALAC
The final draft version to be voted upon by the ALAC will be placed here before the vote is to begin.
ALAC Statement on the ICANN Middle East and Adjoining Countries 2016-2019 Strategy
While we support ICANN’s Middle East and Adjoining Countries 2016-2019 Strategy, we feel that it does not address the existing political environment as it does not adequately account for the outsize role that national governments play in national life. Governments in the Middle East are concerned about the Internet as a matter of domestic order based on their perception of its catalytic role in the Arab Spring. Moreover, since the Arab Spring we are seeing states tightening controls across all Internet related industries and activities. There is also a sense that many if not most Middle Eastern governments prefer the multilateral forum of the ITU over multistakeholder venues such as ICANN where they can express their authority without the necessity of consulting with other sectors.
Therefore, while the strategy successfully identifies and proposes initiatives to involve all key stakeholders, it does not take the necessary preliminary step of a concerted diplomatic outreach campaign by ICANN to each and every national government in the region. Without their acceptance, the successful outcome of all of outreach strategies outlined within the report are in jeopardy and indeed are likely to fail as stakeholders may be unwilling and fearful of participating in activities which may draw official attention. The ALAC recommends that concrete steps be taken for ICANN to implement a concerted outreach campaign to each government in the region, with bilateral discussions to convince governments of ICANN's willingness to work in partnership. This should be carefully timed and coordinated to precede efforts involving other stakeholders.
Additionally, we suggest a greater emphasis on academia in the region. Cultivating credentialed local expertise is an important step towards building trust with governments which rely on them for advice on technical issues. Faculty at universities enjoy a level of trust and are frequently called upon to support policymakers’ decisions.
FIRST DRAFT SUBMITTED
The first draft submitted will be placed here before the call for comments begins.
ALAC Statement on the ICANN Middle East and Adjoining Countries 2016-2019 Strategy
While we support ICANN’s Middle East and Adjoining Countries 2016-2019 Strategy, we feel that it does not address the existing political environment as it does not adequately account for the outsize role that national governments play in national life. Governments in the Middle East are concerned about the Internet as a matter of domestic order based on their perception of its catalytic role in the Arab Spring. Moreover, since the Arab Spring we are seeing states tightening controls across all Internet related industries and activities. There is also a sense that many if not most Middle Eastern governments prefer the multilateral forum of the ITU over multistakeholder venues such as ICANN where they can express their authority without the necessity of consulting with other sectors.
Therefore, while the strategy successfully identifies and proposes initiatives to involve all key stakeholders, it does not take the necessary preliminary step of a concerted diplomatic outreach campaign by ICANN to each and every national government in the region. Without their acceptance, the successful outcome of all of outreach strategies outlined within the report are in jeopardy and indeed are likely to fail as stakeholders may be unwilling and fearful of participating in activities which may draw official attention.
Additionally, we suggest a greater emphasis on academia in the region. Cultivating credentialed local expertise is an important step towards building trust with governments which rely on them for advice on technical issues. Faculty at universities enjoy a level of trust and are frequently called upon to support policymakers’ decisions.
