Internet Governance: World Summit On The Information Society (WSIS) Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

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Internet Governance

"Internet governance" is a broad term used in many different contexts, applying to


activities as diverse as coordination of technical standards, operation of critical
infrastructure, development, regulation, and legislation, among others. Internet
governance is not restricted to the activities of governments. Many different types of
stakeholders have a role in defining and carrying out Internet governance activities and
ISOC has always been an active leader in such discussions.

World attention turned to the concepts of Internet governance with the World Summit on
the Information Society (WSIS), held in Geneva 2003 and Tunis 2005, and the Internet
Governance Forum (IGF), which the United Nations created to continue the work of
WSIS. While WSIS was convened within formal international protocols, the IGF is
intended to bring together stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to
discuss Internet governance issues. IGF will consist of annual meetings between 2006
and 2010, with discussions on a range of important issues in the areas of ICTs, the
Internet, and economic development.

The Internet Society has been fully engaged in the Internet governance debate since the
very first discussion, as a firm advocate of multi-stakeholder, democratic, and transparent
participation.

Community and Partnerships


The Internet Society is widely recognised as a trusted partner of many important
organisations. ISOC enjoys strong, informal working relationships with many regional
and international networks and organisations. In particular, ISOC's Strategic Global
Engagement team, in close collaboration with the regional bureaus and all other ISOC
departments, actively engages in many public activities and develops partnerships with
both intergovernmental and Internet community fora.

Next Generation Leaders Programme

The Internet model of decentralized architecture and distributed responsibility for


development, operation, and management has been the catalyst for boundless innovation
and creativity. That model also creates important leadership opportunities, especially in
those spaces where technology, policy, and business intersect.

The Internet Society's Global Engagement team is committed to developing the


institutional partnerships accross the Internet ecosystem to help emerge the Next
Generation of Internet Leaders. Read more...
International Partnerships

ISOC has entered into partnerships that convey formal recognition and status, with the
following organisations. Follow the links for full details of ISOC's relationship and
contributions:

• African Union (OAU)


• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID)
• Inter-American Telecommunication Commission of the Organization of
American States (CITEL)
• International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
• New Partnership for Africa's Development Planning and Coordination Agency
(NPCA)
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
• Organisation for Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD)
• United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Community Engagement

Along with our natural partners - our members and chapters, the IETF and the PIR - the
Internet Society is embedded within a fabric of Internet organisations, each with its own
role to play and pursuing its mission, but motivated by a common vision of an open and
accessible Internet. Follow the links below for details of ISOC's major contributions:

• Council of European National Top Level Domain Registries (CENTR)


• European partners
• Internet Coorporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
• Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
• World Summit Awards (WSA)
• World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)

Next Generation Leaders Programme (NGL)


As part of its mission and vision, the Internet Society is dedicated to cultivating a new
generation of Internet leaders, aged from 20 to 40 years old, who will address the critical
technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead.
The Internet Society Next Generation Leaders programme is a unique blend of
coursework and practical experience to help prepare young professionals from around the
world to become the next generation of Internet technology, policy, and business leaders.

A need for new Internet leaders

Today's world has become increasingly complex and interconnected. With two billion
people already online, the challenge remains to extend the benefits of the Internet to the
billions more who can benefit from the economic, cultural, and educational opportunities
the Internet provides.

The Internet model of decentralized architecture and distributed responsibility for


development, operation, and management has been the catalyst for boundless innovation
and creativity. That model also creates important leadership opportunities, especially in
those spaces where technology, policy, and business intersect.

In order to be successful, the next generation of Internet leaders will require a wide range
of skills in a variety of disciplines as well as the ability and experience to work with
people at all levels of society.

The curriculum

The Internet Society Next Generation Leaders programme is a unique blend of


coursework and practical experience to help prepare young professionals from around the
world to become the next generation of Internet technology, policy, and business leaders.

To progress within the curriculum and complete each step, candidates are required to
demonstrate their leadership skills and community building ability.

The objective of the programmed is to help participants:


• accelerate their training in diplomatic skills,
• master the drivers of Internet-based innovation and growth, and
• Experience the technical development of the Internet.

Programme entrants benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows them to choose to
either first complete the academic component (eLearning) or enhance their practical
Internet experience.

Hands-on Internet experience can be gained through participating in ISOC's


representation programmes or demonstrating one's own Internet-based professional
history.

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