[Chapter-delegates] Middle East Strategy and Bureau Director

[Sofie Maddens]

Dear Chapter Delegates,

I am pleased to announce that after careful analysis and consultations, we have defined an ISOC strategy for the Middle East, beginning Q4 of this year and continuing into our 2014 – 2016 Business Plan.  Our thanks to all of you who have participated in our a survey of a wide range of stakeholders, including over 3000 Arab Chapters and members, and to all of you who have otherwise given us such constructive advice.  Based on the strong majority of views that we have received, we will be establishing a Middle East Bureau and are recruiting for its first Bureau Director, who will be an Arabic speaker and will be located in the region.  The Regional Bureau plan and the job description for the Bureau Director are attached.

As you are aware, the Internet Society has long been interested in efforts in the Middle East to support and preserve a global, open, robust and accessible Internet. We have watched the numbers of ISOC chapters and members in the region grow quickly, particularly in recent years. Until now, the ISOC Africa and Asia Pacific Bureaus have included Arab chapters and members in their activities.  However, we have heard from ISOC Chapter meetings, discussions with members, and representatives from academic institutions and governments that there is a strong interest in having a stronger ISOC presence in the Middle East.  The survey that we conducted during 2013 sought advice on a range of key questions, including the level of presence, the geographic scope for the Bureau, and the critical issues that stakeholder wished to see addressed.

As a consequence of these consultations, we are seeking to build through the appointment of a Bureau Director and his or her engagement with local stakeholders an active and supportive presence in the region that can: help advance key policy and technology initiatives, as well as capacity building in the areas of ITE, local content and Internet governance; support growth of chapters and strengthened engagement ISOC engagement with chapters, local companies, academia and governments; and build organization and individual membership and support for other ISOC activities.  Our objective is that within 3-5 years, a majority of countries in the region will have embraced the Internet Model, with governments and policy makers engaged alongside ISOC staff, chapters and members to promote an open, resilient and sustainable Internet throughout the region.

The decision on the location of the Bureau will take into account several factors, including consideration of the place of residence of the Bureau Director, the level of direct and/or indirect support and/or sponsorship for a Regional presence or Bureau, as well as logistical and practical issues (e.g. facility of visa, cost of living, etc.).  In terms of geographical scope, stakeholders have voiced a preference for the geographical scope to be limited to the Middle East and the Levant, and will include:  United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.  North African chapters will remain part of the Africa Bureau but will be welcome to participate in relevant Middle East Bureau activities.

We are eager to move forward with the Bureau and a much more active engagement with the region.  Please feel free to forward the job posting for the Middle East Director as appropriate as we seek a strong leader for the Middle East Regional Bureau who can ensure that the programmes of importance to regional stakeholders can be moved forward and that the interests and issues of the region are conveyed to  ISOC and appropriately addressed.

Kind regards,

Walda

Walda Roseman
Chief Operating Officer
The Internet Society
1775 Wiehle Avenue
Reston, VA 20190 USA
Office: +1 703-439-2764
Cell: +1 202 256 4843
email: roseman at isoc.org<mailto:roseman at isoc.org>
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