[npoc-voice] UPDATE ON CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN NET MUNDIAL INITIATIVE

[Sam Lanfranco <lanfran@xxxxxxxx>]

NPOC Colleagues,

As members of NPOC and NCSG I trust that you have been following the 
NCSG discussion on the development of a new NETmundial Initiative. There 
has been considerable debate about the merits of participation in the 
planning process, and some concern over the role of the World Economic 
Forum (although some argue that it is just one among equals in the 
planning process - ???). Here is what I just posted to the NCSG 
discussion list and I would welcome comments here, with regard to 
NGO/NFP and Civil Society voices in the issues on the table around the 
NETmundial Initiative.
Sam Lanfranco, Chair, NPOC Policy Committee

*Posting to NCSG List*

/My approach this initiative has always been one of good Civil Society 
strategy. I have expressed concern about where the NETmundial Initiative 
might go, and expressed reservations about the selection processes for 
representatives of Civil Society, as well as the risks of those 
representatives being "held hostage" within the Initiative should it 
veer in unfortunate directions. But, I have also supported a strategy of 
active engagement in the Initiative itself as Civil Society stakeholders 
in a multistakeholder process. ///
//

/It is clear that there is significant division of opinion over 
participation in the development phase of the NMI. There are clearly 
merits in the arguments of those for, and those opposed to, 
participation in the development phase. In light of those arguments I no 
longer oppose participation in the development phase. I do have a 
suggestion. ///
//

/Whatever position NCSG takes, one way or another NMI will have a 
contingent of representatives of Civil Society in its development phase. 
////Should the NMI veer in directions that challenge the core values of 
Civil Society stakeholders, I hope that there would be a separate side 
dialogue (caucus) between the Civil Society community and those 
representatives of Civil Society that are within the organizational 
structures of the NMI, to agree on how to respond. There may even be 
ways to make the NMI representatives of Civil Society more accountable 
to the wider community on an ongoing basis. ///
//

/Another simmering issue is whether the NMI has finite goals and a 
sunset date, or is expected to remain around forever. //
/

//

/Sam Lanfranco, Chair//
//NPOC Policy Committee/