Wolfgang Kleinwächter

Process/Function 1: "Forum function"

1. Is there need for an additional body?

Yes

2. What functions should it exercise?
(a) Create a space for a multi-stakeholder discussion forum ("without teeth")?

* discussion forum (representative multistakeholder core group; something like an "United Nations Internet Governance Communication Group/UNIG.cog),
* promoting public awareness (two Global Internet Forum per Year),
* outreach (Annual World Internet Report),
* promotion of communication and, where needed, coordination and cooperation, among different (governmental and non-.governmental) institutions, dealing with Internet related issues (Non-binding reccommendations to relevant parties)

(b) Give policy direction?

Yes, but in form of non-binding recommendations to governments, private sector, civil society, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, dealing with Internet related issues

(c) Any other function?

See 2(a)

(d) Be a combination of the above?

Yes as above.

3. What kind of public policy issues should it address?

(a) All issues related to the Internet?

Yes, both existing and new emerging issues (broad definition, covering Cluster 1 to 4)

(b) Only issues outside the scope of existing organizations and institutions?

No.

4. Where should it be anchored?

* it should be established by a UN General Assembly Resolution
* it should report directly to the UN Secretary General

5. How should it be financed?

* the secretariat and the "Core Group" should be co-financed by the UN budget and contributions from stakeholders

6. How should it be structured?

- a core group (36 members, 12 GOV, 12 PS, 12 CS, balanced between South and North)
nominated by the UN Secretary General on the basis of consultation with representative organisations of the stakeholders and on a rotation basis (membership for three years, every year 12 new members)
- a small secretariat
- open working groups
- open Plenary

7. What would be its relationship with existing organizations and institutions?

- informal relationship
- close cooperation within the open working groups