All,<br><br>if you were at this session in Nairobi please share your stories with africann community where we have several MAG members. should even more interactivity be included at workshops? how?<br>cheers<br>ar<br><br><a href="http://www.circleid.com/posts/igf_nairobi_success_of_the_multi_stakeholder_model/">http://www.circleid.com/posts/igf_nairobi_success_of_the_multi_stakeholder_model/</a><br>
<h3>
<a href="http://www.circleid.com/posts/igf_nairobi_success_of_the_multi_stakeholder_model/" class="blue">IGF Nairobi - Success of the Multi-stakeholder Model</a>
</h3>
<div class="date pipedLinks">
</div>
<div class="byline">
<div class="postTools">
<a href="http://www.circleid.com/posts/print/igf_nairobi_success_of_the_multi_stakeholder_model/" target="_blank" class="print red last">Print</a>
<a href="http://www.circleid.com/posts/igf_nairobi_success_of_the_multi_stakeholder_model/#add_comment" class="comment red">Comment</a> </div>
By <a href="http://www.circleid.com/members/5898/" class="blue"><strong>Keith Drazek</strong></a> </div>
<img src="http://www.circleid.com/images/member_photos/photo_5898.jpg" alt="Keith Drazek" class="memPhoto" border="0" width="80"> <p>A
funny thing happened in Nairobi last week… I showed up for an Internet
Governance Forum (IGF) panel discussion on the use of the Internet
during times of political and social unrest, and a truly
multi-stakeholder dialogue broke out. It turned out to be my favorite
session during an incredible IGF week that, thanks to our Kenyan hosts,
exceeded every expectation.
</p>
<p>
The session, formerly known as "The Internet in the Post-Revolution
Phase — Challenges of Political Engagement and the Safety of Citizens"
was cancelled for reasons unknown. Perhaps it was a conflict of
schedules, or maybe the topic was deemed by the organizers or certain
governments to be too sensitive for the official agenda. Fortunately,
for whatever reason, only the panelists and moderator were told the
session was no longer on the updated daily schedule, because more than
60 interested participants from a wide range of backgrounds showed up,
eager to listen, learn, contribute, and participate in an emotional and
timely exchange.
</p>
<p>
The full meeting room had a good vibe about it, but after ten minutes of
waiting for the moderator or panelists to arrive, it became apparent a
change or mistake had been made. Was it a swap of room location (of
which there were many), or timing, or something else? Whatever the
reason, after fifteen minutes, we realized we were on our own.
</p>
<p>
The gathering was at a minor crossroads… would it break up before it got
started, leaving disappointed attendees, or would we somehow make the
best of the situation? To his credit, Robert Guerra from Freedom House
spoke up and suggested we take advantage of the time and obvious
interest in the room. As our de-facto and benevolent moderator, Robert
kicked things off. The rich and rewarding dialogue that ensued
re-affirmed the real value of the multi-stakeholder model and
demonstrated how much we benefit from a free-flowing dialogue among
those truly interested in a secure, stable and universally available
Internet.
</p>
<p>
Individual IGF attendees from Egypt, Tunisia, and Cote d'Ivoire
described their own first-hand, personal experiences of how the Internet
and social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, were incredibly
positive tools for good, enabling communication and freedom of
expression among like-minded people. They talked about the Internet as a
tool and platform for free coordination and open dialogue during times
when authorities attempted to repress those basic rights. It was
riveting and heart-warming stuff.
</p>
<p>
Also discussed were the very real concerns about the use of social media
by those same regimes to target and retaliate against those engaged in
activities deemed inappropriate or unacceptable. Representatives from
Facebook, Freedom House and other groups engaged in a free-flowing
dialogue on concerns about authoritarian control of critical Internet
resources during times of political upheaval.
</p>
<p>
We heard from individuals from Haiti and Japan about how the Internet
and social media had helped coordinate responses to devastating natural
disasters, and how much more users of social media might do and must do
to mobilize further reconstruction efforts.
</p>
<p>
Several government officials encouragingly discussed the critical issue
of human rights and the value of the Internet as a medium to ensure the
free flow of information and expression, and the need to ensure the
Internet remains available to all.
</p>
<p>
The session ended up being the most vibrant and positive exchange of
views I experienced at IGF Nairobi. It was a remarkable example of
multi-stakeholderism; we had representatives from business, government,
civil society, academia, and yes, even actual Internet users. We had
participants from dozens of countries, from both industrialized nations
and the developing world, and from countries experiencing exciting
changes and significant challenges. Women and men engaged on equal and
respectful footing, and we had excellent participation from Kenyans, our
wonderful hosts.
</p>
<p>
As the meeting wrapped up, I felt compelled to speak for the first time —
to sincerely thank the participants for sharing their personal,
profound, and sometime painful experiences, and to recognize that an
amazing event had in fact taken place, without a panel, and with an
effective and respectful volunteer moderator. I said I believed that
future IGF meetings should introduce more opportunities for free-flowing
dialogue among participants, without always relying on the traditional
structure of paneled presentations.
</p>
<p>
For me, in that single session, the IGF proved its worth as the best
model for Internet governance. I can't imagine that incredible, dynamic,
multi-stakeholder session taking place in any other international
arena. Had any such meeting been cancelled in other governmental
structures or institutions, it probably wouldn't have taken place at
all, and what a missed opportunity that would have been. Thanks to all
who contributed that day… let's keep it going!
</p>
<p><strong>By <a href="http://www.circleid.com/members/5898/" class="blue">Keith Drazek</a>, Director of Policy at Verisign, Inc.</strong></p><br>