[WSIS CS-Plenary] Re: [governance] A Framework Convention for the Internet?

[avri at acm.org]

Hi,

Thanks for the clarifications.  Some comments and more questions:


On 22 dec 2004, at 10.07, djilali benamrane wrote:

> We must be aware that if there is place for Civile
> Society (we are here for that) and for private sector
> actors it is not in a strategy of disqualification of
> the role of states, especially in their commitments to
> ensure the best conditions of international
> cooperation as base of peace and security.
>

My intent is not to look for a way to displace the states, but rather 
to avoid favoring a solution path that might exclude civil society or 
minimize its future role.

However, the following comment indicates that the Framework Convention 
does not, necessarily, exclude civil society.

> --- John Mathiason <jrmathia at maxwell.syr.edu> wrote:
>
>> However, States could clearly agree legally to provide for a 
>> Multi-Stakeholder approach.
>>  (There are ample precedents, including the provisions in the United 
>> Nations Charter for
>> participation of NGOs in the work of the Economic and Social Council).
>>

My question then becomes, what is involved in assuring that this would 
occur if the recommendations were to include the creation of the 
Framework convention?  I assume that one condition of inclusion for 
civil society would include CS being a clearly identifiable 
entity/entities - and I assume that does not mean just NGOs.  I assume 
it also means developing mechanisms for allowing CS more then just an 
observer/comment status; i.e. what level of participation is required 
by the MSH approach.  I am not sure I know what else would be required 
but I am sure it is more then just these two elements, though these 
seem critical to me.

So, if one where to suggest a Framework Convention from the vantage 
point of CS, how would they insure that the right outcome (assuming we 
know what that is) for CS would ensue?  Personally I still feel nervous 
about adopting a strategy that leaves too many questions open.

thanks

a.


ps. can anyone point me to a good focused write-up of the 
multi-stakeholder approach.  i have certainly read about it in several 
papers and have seen it assumed, but don't have a good reference on the 
principles, theories and thoughts behind the approach itself.  i am 
sure some of the scholars among us have already created the right 
document, i just don't know which of the multitude of documents it is 
in. since it seems so central to CS participation, i feel i need to 
gather a deep understanding of the concept.