UPRAVLJANJE INTERNETOM
Introduction[1]

At the close of the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), December 2003 governments called upon the UN Secretary General to create a multistakeholder Working Group on Internet Governance.

The text from the WSIS states:

The WSIS declaration of principles and plan of action

Declaration of Principles

“50 International Internet governance issues should be addressed in a coordinated manner.
We ask the Secretary General of the United Nations to set up a working group on Internet governance, in an open and inclusive process that ensures a mechanism for the full and active participation of governments, the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries, involving relevant intergovernmental and international organizations and forums, to investigate and make proposals for action, as appropriate, on the governance of Internet by 2005.

Action Plan

13 b) We ask the Secretary General of the United Nations to set up a working group on Internet governance, in an open and inclusive process that ensures a mechanism for the full and active participation of governments, the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries, involving relevant intergovernmental and international organizations and forums, to investigate and make proposals for action, as appropriate, on the governance of Internet by 2005. The group should, inter alia:

i) develop a working definition of Internet governance;
ii) identify the public policy issues that are relevant to Internet governance;
iii) develop a common understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of governments, existing intergovernmental and international organizations and other forums as well as the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries;
iv) prepare a report on the results of this activity to be presented for consideration and appropriate action for the second phase of WSIS in Tunis in 2005.”

In addition to the WSIS declaration and plan of action, his Excellency Pascal Couchpin, the President of the Swiss Confederation, hosted a private multi-stakeholder roundtable on 9 December 2004 on the eve of the WSIS to consider the subject of Internet governance. At that roundtable, participants suggested that the UN Secretary General Working Group should not exceed 15 members. However, the structure of the working group has not yet been determined.

The following is a short summary of the discussions during WSIS regarding Internet ‘governance' issues.

• Some governments were calling for a role to be played by an inter-governmental organization on “Internet Governance” matters. However, our experience indicated that such governments varied as to what part of “Internet Governance” they felt should be addressed by an inter-governmental organization. Some included ICANN's functions while others did not. It was a confused debate.
  
• It seems that several of these governments were from countries where government has primary or majority control over many infrastructures, but where teledensity may remain a challenge, and Internet access may be limited.
  
• Many governments from developing countries are seeking a one-stop-shop for advice on Internet policy matters. Many of these governments believe strongly that such a body should be within the UN framework.
  
• Some governments raised concerns that ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee, as an advisory body, is not an adequate forum for their input into matters related to the technical management of the Internet.
  
• Other governments opposed the creation of a one-stop-shop under the UN framework; opposed an increased or changing role in these areas by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), supporting continued private sector leadership particularly on technical; and supported the GAC as an appropriate forum for government advice into matters related to the technical management of the Internet.

This issues paper is meant to provide background information and spur discussion among businesses worldwide regarding its views on these important issues.

[1] This issues paper has been prepared by the ICC Commission on E-Business, IT & Telecoms (EBITT). Business leaders and experts drawn from the ICC membership establish key business positions, policies and practices on e-business, IT and telecoms. With members who are users and providers of telecommunications and information technology goods and services from both developed and developing countries, ICC provides the ideal platform to develop global voluntary rules and best practices for these areas. Dedicated to the expansion of cross-border trade, ICC champions liberalization of telecoms and development of infrastructures that support global online trade.

For further information on the EBITT Commission, please visit our website at: http://www.iccwbo.org/home/menu_electronic_business.asp

We acknowledge there are other activities and positions of concern to business worldwide with respect to these issues and these are being and will be addressed separately by ICC.