The third meeting of the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG), held at the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, April 18-20, focused on key public policy issues relating to the use of the Internet, such as spam, network security, and cybercrime.
"Finding a working definition for Internet governance was one of the priorities listed on this meeting’s agenda," said Mr. Charles Sha’ban, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) regional office executive director.
Mr. Sha’ban, a member of the WGIG, pointed out that the meeting discussed issues relating to the infrastructure and management of critical Internet resources, including administration of the domain name system and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, administration of the Root Server system, technical standards, peering and interconnection, as well as issues relating to the development aspects of Internet governance, in particular capacity-building in developing countries.
Open consultations, held on April 18, were open to all stakeholders including business organizations, non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations, civil society and individuals.
Some participants wanted Internet governance arrangements to be rooted in the United Nations framework, which in their view would give legitimacy to the system. Others stressed the importance of private sector leadership, which they saw as more suited to deal with the issue due to the nature of the Internet.
"The WGIG decided how to move forward and outline its final report in order to bring it more in line with the evolving discussion on Internet governance, as well as with the World Summit on the Information Society’s (WSIS) decisions," he added.
The 40-member Working Group was established at the request of the UN member states during the first phase of the WSIS held in December 2003. The WGIG is asked to present the result of its work in a report for consideration and appropriate action for the second phase of the WSIS, which will be held in Tunis, November 2005.
The WGIG held its first two meetings in Geneva in November 2004 and February 2005, whereas the fourth and last meeting will be held June 14-17.