NRO Statement about IGF Continuation
NRO Statement about IGF Continuation
The NRO consists of five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) – AFRINIC, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC and the RIPE NCC – all of which are represented at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2009. Together, the RIRs represent, and are supported by, thousands of organizations worldwide according to a multi-stakeholder model.
The RIRs have individually, and collectively under the NRO, participated with a high-level of commitment in the IGF since its inception. We have contributed our operational and technical experience, and participated in all aspects and themes of the IGF.
The RIRs were established by individuals and organizations from the community – in developing and developed areas – that operate the fundamental infrastructure of the Internet. Since the RIRs’ creation, the perceptions and concerns of both developed and developing regions have been incorporated equally into RIR discussions.
The NRO believes the IGF has been, and continues to be, an important and positive environment in which all stakeholders can participate equally and openly. The status of the IGF as a non-decision making forum with no negotiations or recommendations was specified in the WSIS Tunis Agenda. While the IGF does not make decisions, it informs and inspires those who do. It has been clearly demonstrated that this model facilitates high-level dialogue and valuable, constructive discussion. The characteristics of the multi-stakeholder model have, in the NRO’s view, been vital to the success of this Forum.
If the IGF moves away from these fundamental principles, as defined in the Tunis Agenda, it will affect the ability of various stakeholders to participate equally and openly. It is the current IGF environment that provides the most ideal conditions for the active discussion and debate of topics related to Internet Governance.
For this reason, the NRO firmly supports the IGF continuing in its current form. Other alternatives will not satisfy all of the requirements of the IGF, as defined in the Tunis Agenda.
To ensure others can engage with and benefit from the IGF process, the NRO believes that greater efforts should be made to facilitate remote participation. The NRO recognizes that very important progress has been achieved in this area over the past four years; however, it is important to expand the range of remote participation options that can embrace emerging stakeholders as they join the Internet ecosystem.
On the understanding that the IGF will continue being an open Forum where no decisions are made, the NRO is committed to engaging with and financially contributing to the IGF, as we have done for the past four years. At the same time, we call on other organizations and governments to join us in contributing financially to the IGF to guarantee its continued success.
Last modified on 27/10/2015