Multistakeholder Model – Driver for Global Services and SDGs | IGF 2023 Open Forum #89

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The multi-stakeholder model of ICANN has successfully built trust among users, as demonstrated by Varun Dhanapala from the government of Sri Lanka who shared his positive experience after attending an orientation session in Kathmandu. This highlights the effectiveness of the model in fostering user confidence.

Furthermore, the collaboration between the International Governance Forum (IGF) and ICANN is not competitive but complementary.

This was evident during an event hosted by the Sri Lanka Mission in New York, which shed light on ICANN’s mission and work. The partnership between IGF and ICANN is crucial for effective internet governance.

ICANN places significant importance on active participation, even during the pandemic.

They have supported and promoted participation in their meetings, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all stakeholders have a voice in shaping internet policies.

Diversity within ICANN is also emphasised, with a need for representation from various age groups, languages, and backgrounds.

This diversity brings different perspectives to the decision-making process and ensures policies cater to the needs of a wide range of users.

ICANN’s role in coordinating the technical aspects of the internet, specifically the domain name system (DNS), is crucial for maintaining stability and security.

The reliable nature of ICANN is highlighted by VeriSign’s 26 years of uninterrupted uptime for ComNet and root servers. This underscores the significance of ICANN’s multi-stakeholder community in supporting technical coordination.

The internet’s expansive outreach and untapped potential should be fully harnessed to achieve SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The internet has immense capabilities that can drive innovation and create opportunities for social and economic development.

ICANN recognises the influence of different stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, and the business community. Each stakeholder group has unique contributions to make, and their influence is acknowledged within the ICANN framework.

This balanced and inclusive approach ensures comprehensive policy development.

However, ICANN faces several challenges that need to be addressed. The role and influence of ICANN will be assessed by the General Assembly in less than two years, emphasising the need for periodic evaluation and reassessment of its effectiveness.

Additionally, ICANN needs to streamline decision-making processes to respond effectively to evolving internet governance issues.

While ICANN is acknowledged as being effective, there is an emphasis on the need for continuous improvement. This highlights ICANN’s ability to adapt and embrace change.

Experts with specific areas of expertise are considered valuable contributors to ICANN’s work, even without full-time commitment.

Consensus building within the multi-stakeholder community is viewed as crucial for ICANN’s mission. However, it needs to be carefully approached to ensure predictability and the secure, stable, and resilient operation of networks.

This will safeguard the unity of the internet and prevent fragmentation.

Critically, ICANN’s governance has faced scrutiny for its limited interaction with other significant processes, such as the CA browser forum, the Financial Stability Board, and the Decentralised Identity Foundation.

There is a call for ICANN to broaden in-house consultation and recognise stakeholders beyond just domain holders, for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to governance.

In conclusion, ICANN plays a critical role in internet governance and coordination, ensuring the stability and security of the DNS.

The multi-stakeholder model of ICANN has successfully built trust among users, and collaboration with organisations like the IGF is seen as essential. Active participation, diversity, and consensus building are key, while continuous improvements and addressing gaps are necessary. Overall, ICANN has the potential to evolve, adapt to change, and effectively shape internet policies through the involvement of various stakeholders.

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The success of the internet can be attributed to its foundation on open standards and a user-centred approach. The technical community plays a crucial role in this success through their open, liberal, and voluntary approach. This means that the internet’s technical layer is based on standards that are open and accessible to everyone.

The acceptance of voluntarily defined addresses of the root server system has also contributed to the success of the internet. Additionally, the power of the network itself, which attracts users, has played a significant role.

The multi-stakeholder model, which involves various stakeholders such as governments, academia, civil society, and businesses, has proven to be an effective framework for governing the internet.

Each stakeholder group has an important role to play, contributing to the development and advancement of the internet.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has played a pivotal role in the success of the internet.

ICANN’s contributions are recognized, and their role in the internet’s evolution is celebrated. Furthermore, ICANN has actively engaged in ensuring that the technical consequences of potential legislation are thoroughly explained to all stakeholders.

It is important to understand the consequences of potential legislative processes and initiatives related to the internet.

There are ongoing discussions and initiatives happening in various fora, and it is crucial to assess and comprehend the implications of these actions.

The desire for the internet to continue evolving is emphasized in order to meet the changing needs of both individuals and businesses.

This reflects the dynamic nature of the internet and the importance of keeping up with advancements in technology, innovation, and infrastructure.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meetings, according to Danko Jevtovic, have been successful and continue to improve each year.

Jevtovic, who has been a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), has participated in various IGF meetings. He praises the current IGF meeting hosted by Japan and believes that the IGF serves as leverage to create a better internet and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Notably, Jevtovic does not see the need to change or create something parallel to the IGF.

He emphasizes the importance of utilizing the IGF platform to improve the internet and address the SDGs effectively.

In conclusion, the success of the internet lies in its foundation of open standards and a user-centred approach. The technical community’s open and voluntary approach, the multi-stakeholder model, and ICANN’s contributions have been instrumental in the internet’s success.

Understanding the consequences of legislative processes and initiatives related to the internet is important. The desire for the evolution of the internet to meet the needs of individuals and businesses is crucial. The IGF meetings have been viewed as successful and improving each year, providing a platform to work towards a better internet and achieve the SDGs.

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ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is widely recognised as a successful multi-stakeholder model for internet governance. It has demonstrated resilience and adaptability through three updates in the past two decades, signifying its commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of the internet.

Furthermore, ICANN has incorporated safeguards to protect the system from attempts to extinguish it, highlighting its dedication to ensuring the continuity and stability of the internet.

One of the key strengths of the multi-stakeholder model employed by ICANN is its bottom-up agenda setting approach and consensus-based decision-making.

By involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, ICANN fosters an inclusive dialogue that allows for the consideration of various perspectives and interests. This approach is crucial as it helps to generate broad consensus and ensures that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of different stakeholders.

The importance of rough consensus is also stressed in the multi-stakeholder model.

While achieving full agreement on every aspect may not always be possible, the concept of rough consensus allows for agreement on enough points to continue working together towards a common goal. This principle helps to maintain a single, unfragmented internet and promotes the collective efforts of stakeholders in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital landscape.

The multi-stakeholder model of internet governance goes beyond addressing technical aspects; it also encompasses broader issues such as sustainability, the environment, and digital inclusion.

The model provides a platform for discussions on these topics, enabling stakeholders to work together towards achieving goals such as reduced inequality and industry innovation, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is another entity that can benefit from the multi-stakeholder model.

By embracing this approach, the IGF can facilitate discussions on internet governance within the context of sustainability and the environment. This not only increases awareness and understanding of these critical issues but also ensures that their consideration becomes an integral part of national and regional IGF discussions.

In conclusion, the multi-stakeholder model adopted by ICANN has proven to be successful in governing the internet.

Its bottom-up agenda setting, consensus-based decision-making, and commitment to evolution and adaptability make it a resilient and inclusive approach. The model not only addresses technical aspects but also allows for conversations around sustainability, the environment, and digital inclusion. Both ICANN and the IGF can continue to improve and develop protection mechanisms while emphasising the importance of rough consensus and maintaining a single, unfragmented internet.

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The multi-stakeholder model plays a crucial role not only in Internet governance but also in other realms of society. It ensures that all stakeholders have a seat at the table and a say in decision-making processes. This model operates in a horizontal structure where every stakeholder’s voice is heard and considered.

The positive sentiment towards the multi-stakeholder model reflects its effectiveness and importance in achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

While the multi-stakeholder model is widely endorsed, it is acknowledged that it is not perfect and has room for improvement.

This neutral sentiment suggests that there are areas where the model could be enhanced. However, the overall consensus is that the multi-stakeholder model should be upheld and fostered for future generations. Its positive impact on various aspects, such as making the Internet work and ensuring connectivity during the pandemic, further solidifies the argument for its continued support.

During the pandemic, the multi-stakeholder model proved successful in facilitating online education for students who had connectivity.

It also led to the implementation of electronic filing and litigation, ensuring the continuity of the justice system. These examples highlight the adaptability and effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder model, particularly in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This positive sentiment towards the model demonstrates its capacity to address challenges and find innovative solutions.

Contrary to the positive sentiment towards the multi-stakeholder model, there is a negative sentiment towards the idea of legislating the internet.

It is argued that existing regulations and conduct in the physical world are sufficient to govern the digital world. This sentiment suggests a preference for self-regulation within the multi-stakeholder model rather than imposing stricter legislative measures.

Furthermore, the importance of connecting the next set of users and expanding access to the internet is highlighted as an argument in support of the multi-stakeholder model.

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) emphasises the need to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to information and resources. The multi-stakeholder model can play a vital role in addressing this issue and promoting inclusivity.

One noteworthy observation is the potential for the multi-stakeholder model to transform representative democracy into a participative one.

Utilising this model could enable greater citizen engagement and involvement in decision-making processes, aligning with SDG 16.

In conclusion, the multi-stakeholder model is essential for Internet governance and various aspects of society. While it has room for improvement, its positive impact during the pandemic and the need to address connectivity and digital inequality make a strong case for upholding and fostering this model.

The negative sentiment towards legislating the internet highlights the preference for self-regulation within the multi-stakeholder model. By turning representative democracy into a participative one, the multi-stakeholder model has the potential to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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Upon analysis of the provided information, several key points emerge regarding ICANN and its efforts to shape a more inclusive and multilingual internet. Firstly, ICANN is actively working on expanding the Domain Name System (DNS) to accommodate a wider range of languages and scripts.

This initiative arises from recognizing that the next billion users coming online belong to communities with languages and scripts divergent from English and ASCII. By supporting more languages and scripts in the DNS, ICANN aspires to foster a more inclusive digital environment.

Secondly, the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance has played a crucial role in allowing the internet and the digital economy to flourish.

This model has facilitated a smooth and stable transition from US government oversight to a global community oversight, ensuring the security and stability of the internet. This observation highlights the importance of the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in shaping the internet’s governance framework.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic showcased the internet’s pivotal role in supporting remote work, education, healthcare, and connectivity.

Governments, internet service providers, technology companies, and civil society organizations collaborated to ensure the internet’s smooth functioning during this crisis. The ability of the internet to handle the surge in usage during the pandemic attests to the effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder model in maintaining the internet’s resilience and reliability.

Trust is identified as a critical factor for the functionality of the internet.

Trust is built between individuals, structures, organizations, and governments, and it is essential for the secure and reliable operation of the internet. The multi-stakeholder approach, with its emphasis on inclusivity and representation, aims to foster trust among different stakeholders in the internet ecosystem.

The stability, security, and resiliency of the DNS are central to ICANN’s mission.

ICANN recognizes that every online interaction is connected to the DNS and is committed to delivering a stable, secure, resilient, and open DNS for the global public interest. This emphasis on DNS underscores the crucial role played by the multi-stakeholder model in maintaining the internet’s resiliency.

The internet is increasingly pivotal in driving and shaping societal change.

Its power stems from being a single interoperable system accessible globally. This recognition further highlights the significance of the internet as a catalyst for innovation, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Meaningful participation in policy creation requires empowered stakeholders armed with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and confidence.

ICANN acknowledges the importance of individual skills and domain-specific knowledge to effectively contribute to sustainable policy creation. This observation emphasizes the need for capacity building efforts to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to participate actively in shaping internet policies.

Additionally, sustainable policy creation should take into account the voices of many to reduce inequalities.

ICANN supports the idea that policies should be influenced through the diverse perspectives and experiences of a wide range of stakeholders. Inclusivity in policy development is seen as a means to promote justice, peace, and strong institutions.

The multi-stakeholder approach advocated by ICANN needs to be inclusive and representative.

ICANN has carried out extensive work to bring newcomers from diverse backgrounds into the internet ecosystem and has emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the functioning of the internet within the broader community. This drive towards inclusivity recognizes the necessity of ensuring representation and participation from all stakeholders for a fair and equitable internet governance framework.

Capacity building is highlighted as a vital aspect of ICANN’s efforts to empower individuals within the internet ecosystem.

These capacity building efforts involve providing personal and professional skills to individuals, involving different languages and groups worldwide. The training covers various aspects, ranging from personal skills and time management to technical areas like infrastructure implementation. Such efforts aim to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive internet.

Expanding internet understanding and increasing participation in policy-making processes are identified as key priorities.

ICANN recognizes the necessity of generating interest among individuals to comprehend the workings of the internet and the impact of internet policies on their lives. Capacity building is viewed as a crucial step towards enhancing understanding and involvement in shaping these policies.

The analysis also acknowledges the importance of international and multilateral processes that have relevance to ICANN’s mission.

These processes occur at various levels, including the UN, ITU, and the European Union, and their significance is emphasized in the context of the upcoming WSIS plus 20 process. This observation highlights the broader global context in which ICANN operates and the need to engage actively in these processes.

Regarding ICANN’s role in internet governance, Sally Costerton expresses her belief in upholding the multi-stakeholder model that has contributed significantly to the internet’s success.

The upcoming ICANN AGM in Hamburg is expected to extensively discuss this model, emphasizing its critical importance. Sally Costerton also recognizes the vital role played by the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) in facilitating understanding and fostering dialogue between members and their respective governments.

The analysis concludes by extending appreciation for participants’ commitment and passion during ICANN meetings, which indicates a collective determination to address critical issues within the internet ecosystem.

Furthermore, ICANN’s emphasis on continuous discussion, communication, and issue-raising reflects its commitment to engaging with stakeholders and maintaining transparency in its processes.

Overall, this comprehensive analysis highlights ICANN’s dedication to an inclusive and multilingual internet, the significance of the multi-stakeholder model in internet governance, and the resilience of the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It underscores the importance of trust, capacity building, and broad participation in policy creation to ensure a sustainable and equitable internet ecosystem. The analysis also acknowledges the global context in which ICANN operates and the importance of international and multilateral processes.

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ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization that coordinates the Internet’s unique identifier systems. These systems, which include domain names, IP addresses, and protocol parameters, are crucial for the proper functioning of the Internet.

ICANN ensures that these identifiers are managed effectively.

At the heart of ICANN’s work lies the multi-stakeholder model, which shapes policies and manages unique identifiers. This model involves the participation of various stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, civil society, and technical experts.

The multi-stakeholder approach ensures inclusive and democratic decision-making, which is essential for the continued success of the global Internet.

The Internet operates on a set of protocols and standards that enable connectivity. Thousands of people from around the world collaborate to maintain and improve these systems.

ICANN’s governmental advisory committee, with its member governments and observer organizations, exemplifies the global collaboration required for Internet governance.

Discussions on the multi-stakeholder model explore ways to align it with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The model promotes inclusivity, innovation, and engagement to support the digital economy.

It has proven effective in ensuring the Internet’s stability over the years, despite the increasing number of users and traffic.

Participants in these discussions highlight the importance of looking beyond existing systems for solutions and proactively driving change.

They emphasize the need to involve a wider range of stakeholders and promote diverse perspectives in Internet governance.

While the multi-stakeholder model is widely appreciated, it is cautioned that deviating from democratic principles toward multilateralism could have negative consequences.

Upholding democratic decision-making is key to preserving the openness and transparency of Internet governance.

In summary, ICANN plays a vital role in coordinating the Internet’s unique identifier systems. The multi-stakeholder model ensures inclusive and democratic decision-making, which is crucial for the successful functioning of the Internet.

Collaboration and engagement from stakeholders worldwide are necessary for effective Internet governance. Discussions focus on aligning the model with SDGs, seeking innovative solutions, and promoting stakeholder inclusion.

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The analysis highlights several key points. Firstly, it emphasises the importance of multistakeholder participation in technology development. It underscores that technologies are not created in isolation but are intended to serve a purpose and engage multiple stakeholders. The analysis suggests that no party works in isolation and the implementation of technology should be in line with prevailing laws and policies.

It also highlights that technology stimulates the economy. These supporting facts indicate the positive impact of technology on society.

The second point raised in the analysis is the need for ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to improve its engagement with governments.

The analysis argues that commitments made by governments to participate in ICANN should be followed by action. This signifies the importance of effective government involvement in shaping internet governance policies. The analysis includes evidence such as Rwanda hosting a high-level governmental meeting and increased government commitment to participate more actively in ICANN.

The sentiment towards this point is positive, suggesting a belief in the potential benefits of closer collaboration between ICANN and governments.

The third point highlighted in the analysis is the potential impact of upcoming international processes on ICANN’s work.

It mentions that international processes related to ICANN’s mission are taking place at the United Nations (UN), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and potentially at the European Union (EU) level. It implies that these processes may influence ICANN’s role in maintaining and allocating internet resources.

While it states a neutral sentiment, it underscores the need for ICANN’s active involvement in these global processes.

Furthermore, the analysis discusses the untapped potential of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to provide recommendations on new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

It suggests that the IGF, as established by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Tunis agenda, could play a more significant role in shaping discussions and offering recommendations on emerging technologies. It recommends using the WSIS plus 20 to improve the IGF and increase its contributions.

The analysis presents a positive sentiment towards this point.

Overall, the analysis highlights the importance of multistakeholder participation in technology development, the need for ICANN to engage more with governments, the potential impact of international processes on ICANN, and the untapped potential of the IGF.

These points reinforce the significance of collaboration, effective governance, and active involvement in shaping technology policies and the future of the internet.

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The analysis reveals several noteworthy points about ICANN. Firstly, ICANN is commended for its commitment to gender diversity within its organisation. Notably, there are two women in prominent leadership positions – the board chair and the interim CEO. This showcases ICANN’s dedication to promoting gender equality and increasing the representation of women in key decision-making roles.

It is an encouraging sign of progress and a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within the field of internet governance.

Secondly, ICANN demonstrates a commendable level of transparency by making the letters it receives available to the public.

This includes letters from governments, the military, and intelligence agencies, providing insights into internet traffic and policy choices. By publishing these letters and providing a link for access, ICANN promotes openness and enables stakeholders to have a deeper understanding of the considerations and decisions shaping internet governance.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the recognition of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9.1 within the context of internet infrastructure.

SDG 9.1 focuses on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, with an emphasis on regional and transborder infrastructure that supports economic development and human well-being. This demonstrates that ICANN acknowledges the importance of internet infrastructure as a crucial component of achieving sustainable development goals.

By aligning with SDG 9.1, ICANN contributes to the global effort to provide affordable and equitable access to the internet for all individuals, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.

Overall, the analysis underscores ICANN’s positive strides in gender diversity, applauds its transparency through the publication of received letters, and acknowledges its alignment with SDG 9.1.

These findings showcase ICANN’s commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and sustainable development. It is encouraging to see such initiatives within the realm of internet governance, as they contribute to a more equitable and accessible digital landscape for the benefit of all individuals and communities worldwide.