[WSIS CS-Plenary] Civil Society Participation in IGF

[Qusai Al-Shatti]

I think Robert is raising an important point about CS participation in the IGF upcoming meeting and following meetings. Although the Agenda will discuss the structure, nature and character of IGF, we need to make sure that all stakeholders are represented and participating effectively in it and this can not be done only of we are present not absent. There are much to be done and alot at a stake and CS should be present in a proper magnitude. During the WSIS, CS played a major role in ensuring the paritcipation of all stakeholders and their opinions' are listened to and heard. This is a major success for the CS and this momentum should not stop for all pending issues of the WSIS. Therefore we should look seriousely on overcoming the limitation of resources available for participation of the CS ( a point the CS statement on the WSIS had refered to). In this respect, I would suggest the following:
1- If there is still a role for the CS bureau, then it should be restructured in a manner that is suitable for the post-WSIS phase. The upcoming phase is different than the WSIS process which concentrated on the summits. It is more related to issues pending from the summit and it should concenrate on active CS participation. So the Role of the CS bureau should concenrate more on how to facilitate CS participation on events related to the outcome of the WSIS and its pending issues.
2- During the IGF meeting we should ensure that CS is part of its structure, nature and character. And with the limited resources of CS, it should be acceptable that CS presence is sponsored by UN, International, intergovernmental, regional agencies and organizations. For example there are many funds and comissions that organizes meetings and events, may be some of that fundind should go to the CS in the form of fellowships with some guidelines.
3- The CS bureau should have the role to assist CS representatives to attend the post-WSIS related events including the IGF.

I apologize for the long e-mail, but I felt that it is important for us to be present in IGF and the following events.

Best Regards,,

Qusai Al-Shatti
Deputy Chairman
Kuwait Information Technology Society