[Chapter-delegates] Middle East Strategy and Bureau Director

[Walid AL-SAQAF]

Hello Walda,

As the ISOC-Yemen chapter (perhaps the youngest Middle East chapter), we
are thrilled and excited by this news and we are ready to support you in
your efforts to have a presence in the region.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Walid

-----------------

Walid Al-Saqaf

ISOC-Yemen Chair

On Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 6:37 PM, Sofie Maddens <maddens at isoc.org> wrote:

>  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
>
>
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>
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