[Chapter-delegates] IGF 2014 - Get engaged!

[Constance Bommelaer]

Dear Members,

2014 has shaped up to be one of the most critical years in the history of the Internet to date.

Disclosures of mass online surveillance, risks of Internet fragmentation and government control over what people can see or do online, are just a few of the challenges that have shaken the Internet this year. But great challenges can generate great opportunities, and 2014 was also marked by a series of events that demonstrated the capacity for multistakeholder processes to produce effective outcomes, starting with NETmundial and the 2014 WSIS+10 High Level Review Event.

In line with this trend, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is evolving towards the production of more tangible outcomes, while keeping its non-negotiating nature that has proved essential to its success. In addressing effectively emerging Internet issues, the IGF is proving to be an indispensable element of the Internet ecosystem.

The 9th Internet Governance Forum (IGF<http://www.intgovforum.org/cms>) will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 2 to 5 September 2014, and will focus on "Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance".

Expectations are high for this year's IGF, issues addressed are critical: Surveillance, IANA transition, Net Neutrality, etc. In light of these challenges, <http://netmundial.br/> NETmundial<http://netmundial.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NETmundial-Multistakeholder-Document.pdf> made a clear call last April for a strong and healthy IGF.

The community has been working hard to gather ingredients for success in Istanbul: new funding channels (IGF Support Association), a highly compelling agenda, and new ongoing collaboration mechanisms producing tangible outcomes (Best Practice Forums). IGF 2014 needs to be about openness, self-empowerment and effectiveness.

IGF is our chance to demonstrate that multistakeholderism works - so get engaged!

Here are a few ways how:

- Contribute to the ISOC Open Internet consultation<http://connect.internetsociety.org/blogs/konstantinos-komaitis/2014/08/04/the-open-internet-what-it-is-and-how-to-avoid-mistaking-it-for-something-else>
- Feed the IGF Best Practices<http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/best-practice-forums>
- Get involved in the IGF regional and national initiatives<http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/igf-initiatives>

Please also plan to join us at the reception organized by the technical community, on 1 Sept at 18:30 (invitation attached). As we get closer to the event, we will be sharing additional opportunities and information through Connect.

Useful links:
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- Complete list of ISOC's IGF activities<http://www.internetsociety.org/events/internet-society-internet-governance-forum-2014>
- ISOC's Resources<http://www.internetsociety.org/internet-society-resources-2014-igf> for the Istanbul discussions
- Details to participate physically<https://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/jevents/icalrepeat.detail/2014/09/02/14/-/ninth-annual-igf-meeting?Itemid=28&filter_reset=1> and remotely<http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/igf-2014-istanbul/remote-hubs-registrations>
- Opportunities for Members and the public to get engaged<http://www.internetsociety.org/internet-societys-2014-igf-participants-corner>
- Access to the on-line profiles of our IGF Ambassadors<http://www.internetsociety.org/2014-igf-ambassadors>


We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Istanbul!

--
Constance Bommelaer
Senior Director, Global Policy Partnerships
The Internet Society
www.isoc.org

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