Status:
IGF Theme(s) for workshop: Internet Governance for Development [IG4D] cross cutting priority
Main theme question address by workshop: Question 3a
Concise description of the proposed workshop:
To establish a sustainable Internet governance structure, a number of significant challenges need to be addressed. We need to address these problems through the adoption of domestic and international agreements to mitigate the harms that can arise from a globally connected world. We need to explore social and legal norms that protect users and institutions from harm, while preserving freedoms. That these issues are trans-national increases their importance and their difficulty to resolve.
One underlying factor that contributes greatly to sound Internet governance is the relationship between the public and private sectors. It only makes sense that when governments have the will and vision to bring their citizens into the Digital Age that the ICT sector is right beside them planning and implementing the tools and applications required to fulfill the vision.
Through organizations such as the Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC) and the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), the industry is well positioned to play a key role in continuing to work with governments as well as other stakeholders in the development of sound and effective Internet governance dialogue. This dialogue needs to take place at both the global and national levels. After all, most of the significant inventions and innovations -- including the Internet -- resulted from government and industry working together.
The Internet has proven to be a rich and still evolving ecosystem that has contributed enormous economic, social, scientific and intellectual value through the voluntary contributions of its now billions of users. Enhanced in utility through mobile smart phones, the Internet is becoming an indispensable part of life for about one third of the global population. But this same infrastructure is also an avenue for harms, social, economic and even criminal. That these issues must be addressed is indisputable. The way forward will require the determined effort of many stakeholders and institutions with an interest in a safe, healthy, prosperous and sustainable Internet. The system is still very much a voluntary collaboration of a remarkable range of stakeholders including but not exclusively made up of governments, industry, academia and civil society.
This workshop will explore how stakeholders can effectively work together towards solutions to these complex but critical issues for the benefit of all. Panelists will bring real-life examples of how problem-solving can best be achieved through mutual cooperation in the following critical areas, or building blocks for ICT Development::
1. ICT and Sustainable Economic Growth
2. ICT for Effective and Efficient Public Service
3. Protecting Infrastructure and Information
4. Building a Thriving ICT Sector based on innovation and economic growth
Background Paper:
Name of the organiser(s) of the workshop and their affiliation to various stakeholder groups:
Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC)
World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA)
Have you, or any of your co-organisers, organised an IGF workshop before?: Yes
Please provide link(s) to workshop(s) or report(s):
A Practical & Pragmatic Look at Making Cloud Successful in Developing World
2011 IGF Workshop Hosted by GIIC and WITSA
IGF 2010 Workshop 136: Engendering Confidence in the Cloud – Addressing Questions of Security and Privacy in Developed and Developing Countries
2009 IGF Workshop #207: Ensuring Continued Investment and Digital Growth In A Climate of Global Economic Challenges
IGF 2008: “ICTs and an Environmentally Sustainable Internet: Another Challenge of Connecting the Next Billion Internet Users”.
IGF 2007: IGF WORKSHOP SUMMARY: “QUALIFYING, QUANTIFYING, AND MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF INTERNET ACCESS COSTS” (November 13, 2007)
IGF 2006: IGF 2006: “Enhancing Multi-Stakeholder Participation
in ICT Policy Making” - An Exploration of Effective Policy Processes That Enhance
Access to ICTs and the Internet
Provide the names and affiliations of the panellists you are planning to invite:
Mr. Alex Mora, Camtic (Costa Rica)
Mr. Nizar Zakka, PCA & ijma3 (Lebanon)
Dr. Jimson Olufuye, ITAN (Nigeria)
Mr. Waudo Siganga, CSK (Kenya)
Vice Minister of Costa Rica
Mrs Omobola Johnson, Nigerian Minister of Communication Technology
Heather Creech, Director of Knowledge Communications, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Ian Osborne, Director, Cloud Program, IntellectUK
Name of Remote Moderator(s):
Anders Halvorsen, World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA)