Welcome to APrIGF Conference Website Sites. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
Workshop Proposal 18
Date: 6 Aug 2014
Time: 10:30 – 12:00
Venue: Tapas 1
Remote Participation LInks: Video / Text / Adobe Connect
| Workshop Title | Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance: The Way Ahead |
| Thematic Area of Interest | Enhanced Cooperation & the Multi-stakeholder model |
| Specific Issues of Discussions & Description | Introduction:Today, multi-stakeholderism is the catchphrase in Internet governance. With the display of a multi-stakeholder model at NETmundial, controversies and opinions regarding the meaning, substance and benefits of multi-stakeholderism have deepened. As the recent meeting of the Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation of the United Nations Commission on Science, Technology and Development demonstrates, questions and concerns regarding meaning of multi-stakeholderism, thelegitimacy and desirability of its processes, and the successes and disappointments of its outcomes now dominate the discussion. At this juncture, clarity and consensus are imperative to determine the future of multi-stakeholderism in Internet governance.Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders:The debates surrounding stakeholder-roles in Internet governance began with ¶ 49 of the Geneva Declaration of Principles and ¶ 35 of the Tunis Agenda, which delineated clear roles and responsibilities. It created a ‘contributory’ multi-stakeholder model, where states held sovereign authority over public policy issues, while business and civil society were contributed to ‘important roles’ at the ‘technical and economic fields’ and the ‘community level’, respectively. At the same time, it set forth anagenda for enhanced cooperation.As the WGEC meeting (April 30-May 2, 2014) demonstrated, there is as yet no consensus on stakeholder-roles. Certain governments remain strongly opposed to equal roles of other stakeholders, emphasizing their lack of accountability and responsibility. Civil society is similarly splintered, with a majority opposing the Tunis Agenda delineation of stakeholder-roles, while others remain dubious of permitting the private sector an equal footing in public policy-making. Still others question the
wisdom of seeking a ‘fix’ when ‘nothing is broken’. In this session, we aim to interrogate the benefits and disadvantages of an ‘equal footing’ model, as opposed to a ‘contributory’ model. Who are the stakeholders? Should a multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance grant all stakeholders ‘equal footing’? Should such ‘equal footing’ be relegated to issues other than substantive public policy-making? On the other hand, is a ‘contributory’ model safer? Are states better equipped to represent interests inclusively? How can governments and businesses best perform their role as trustees of the public interest of interest users? In view of the formidable consolidation by the private sector at NETmundial, while civil society splintered on issues of intellectual property and intermediary liability, can a ‘participative model’ better prevent detrimental outcomes?
Multi-stakeholderism beyond NETmundial: As important as the meaning of multi-stakeholderism is the process of its execution. The need to fashion safe and sustainable processes for multi-stakeholder participation was highlighted by the successes and failures of private sector and civil society at NETmundial. From the ICANN and IGF models to stakeholder coalitions, premeeting coordination and governmental policy participation, this session shall expand on the quest for effective and beneficial stakeholder participation and representation in both the ‘equal footing’ and ‘contributory’ models, with a focus on enhancing developing country participation. Particularly, lessons that Internet governance may draw from multi-stakeholder governance processes across areas shall be discussed. For instance, deliberative democracy, enterprise associations or unions (such as in the International Labour Organisation) may all be of value. Similarly, multi-stakeholder processes in environmental and corporate governance and the development sector may benefit Internet governance. In determining the value of these processes to Internet governance, public interest of users is an important consideration. The capability and initiative of governments to implement an effective bottom-up model of Internet governance is equally important and will be considered. |
| Expected Format and Target Panel Members |
Dr. Govind, CEO, National Internet Exchange of India Ms. Mishi Choudhary, Executive Director, Software Freedom Law Centre, India Dr. Anja Kovacs, Director, The Internet Democracy Project Mr. Rajnesh Singh, Regional Bureau Director for Asia-Pacific, ISOC Mr. Parminder Jeet Singh, Executive Director, IT for Change Dr. Arvind Gupta, National Technology Head of BJP, India Prof. PengHwa Ang, Singapore Internet Research Center, Singapore Nanyang Technology University |
| Workshop Organiser | Geetha HariharanProgramme OfficerCentre for Internet & Society, IndiaPrasanth SugathanCounselSoftware Freedom Law Centre, India |
Workshop Proposal 17
Date: 4 Aug 2014
Time: 13:30 – 15:00
Venue: Tapas 1
Archives: Transcript / Adobe Connect Recordings / Summary Report
| Workshop Title | Network Neutrality in Asia Pacific | ||||||||||||||
| Thematic Area of Interest | Internet business in the Asia Pacific region | ||||||||||||||
| Specific Issues of Discussions & Description | Network neutrality as an important but controversial issue that involved topics of competition, consumer choice, transparency, freedom of expression and appropriate network management. Regulatory regimes which promote access to information in a consistent, predicable manner are needed. Transparent policies which encourage trust are crucial, yet these principles must be balanced with the business imperative to be profitable.Where are the pain points in this debate? Can net neutrality exist while still being economically viable? Beyond crowdfunding and freemium models, can a sustainable model of principle-led economics be found? The NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement recommended that network neutrality and its relation to the concept of an open Internet required further discussion in other international forums. Using the results of a comparative study on the situation of network neutrality in a number of Asia Pacific countries, this workshop will bring the “principle vs economics” ideas to the fore with a frank panel discussion on how net neutrality is currently being viewed and approached by businesses and policymakers. | ||||||||||||||
| Expected Format and Target Panel Members |
|
||||||||||||||
| Workshop Organiser | Co-organised by
|
Acknowledgement
Local Hosts:
Special Support By:
Supported By:
