[Chapter-delegates] Invitation to vote in the 2013 ISOC BoT Chapter election

[Narelle Clark President ISOC-AU]

On Mon, May 13, 2013 5:50 pm, Veni Markovski wrote:
> Hi, Narelle.
> Some natural questions for the candidates to be Trustees:
>
> We'd like to hear the views of the candidates about the desire of the
> ITU to have an increased role and control mechanisms over the Internet.
> Also, on the ITU relations with ISOC. ISOC is a sector member of the
> ITU-T and ITU-D. What's in it for ISOC? Who benefits more - ISOC or ITU,
> or both equally?

It certainly appears that the ITU has been attempting to impose controls
over the Internet, and it is completely certain that some members of the
ITU are trying to impose controls that are antithetical to ISOC, and are
making those attempts through the ITU forums. I have actively campaigned
against the imposition of a number of those controls within my own
country, and will continue to do so in that capacity. I also believe that
ISOC shares the same goals as I.

ISOC's position, however, needs to be distinctively nuanced and to work
the diplomatic avenues thoroughly and effectively. It is my personal view
that we need to stay at the ITU table on the basis that the ITU is a
United Nations body, and I actually persist with the hope that the UN can
be effective. I believe we need to stay engaged with governments (in
general) in order to obtain the best result for the Internet overall.
There are potentially times when we will need to walk away from the ITU
(and goevernment) discussions also, but at this stage I do not believe we
are at that point. The next 12 or so months may change my view.

As far as who is getting the greater benefit - this is a difficult measure
to make - at this stage the ITU seems to be getting a significant benefit.
There is certainly the risk that our altruism may be overly tested,
however if it increases our positive engagement at the local level for
chapters in their respective countries, then I am happy for that to be the
case. Indeed I would be proud if that turned out to be the case. We are a
worthwhile organisation and achieve worthwhile things.

I don't believe we are overly adding to the credence of the ITU by being
there - as I said, this is a UN body, and that has weight.

It also seems to me that the ITU still performs valuable work in the
ITU-R, and in some aspects of the ITU-D (eg OSS) but I would very much
like to see better participation, a reduction in the barriers to
participation, and better delineation from other standards bodies,
especially the IETF. The precise aspects of my view on the latter is best
discussed within the appropriate IETF collaboration forums, too.

[In my moments where I believe that humanity has a hope of survival, the
United Nations, or some form thereof, is still in existence! Call me an
idealist.]

I hope this helps.

best regards


Narelle


-- 


Narelle Clark
President
Internet Society of Australia

president at isoc-au.org.au
www.isoc-au.org.au