Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » Internet Governance Update and Follow-up from Discussion at ICANN 50

Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.

Internet Governance Update and Follow-up from Discussion at ICANN 50


Resolution of the ICANN Board
Category: 
General
International Agreements
Meeting Date: 
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Resolution Number: 
2014.07.30.13 – 2014.07.30.14
Resolution Text: 

Whereas, the Internet ecosystem is being strengthened through recent global coordination efforts towards developing principles for the use of the multi-stakeholder model as a means for evolving Internet governance.

Whereas, on 28 September 2013, the ICANN Board authorized the CEO to, among other things, "work with other key organizations and leaders to establish a coalition towards the formation of a movement or initiative" ("Coalition"), in order to address increasing concerns regarding the effectiveness of a "global, open, multi-stakeholder Internet governance system."

Whereas, the Board considered that without strengthening a global, coherent approach to Internet governance, ongoing and emerging issues will not be properly addressed in a collective, collaborative way, which may inadvertently affect the operational unity of the Internet, consistent with ICANN's mandate.

Whereas, on 28 September 2013, the Board further resolved that "… should the CEO recommend an additional longer term strategy based on Coalition results, the CEO shall present such a plan of action, including any additional financial resources required, for further consideration by the Board."

Whereas, on 17 November 2013, the ICANN Board directed the CEO to continue supporting the emerging initiatives on multistakeholder internet governance, and recognized ICANN as one of the many participants supporting these initiatives.

Whereas, on 23-24 April 2014, the NetMundial meeting convened in Sao Paolo, Brazil, as a Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance, to begin the establishment of Internet Governance Principles and the Roadmap for the future evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem.

Whereas, the Board congratulates the conveners and supporters of the NetMundial meeting, including the Government of Brazil, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), the World Economic Forum, and others – including participants from across all sectors – in a successful meeting that resulted in the consensus-based NetMundial Principles to guide further coordination work.

Whereas, in May 2014, the Panel on Global Internet Cooperation and Governance Mechanisms issued its report with recommendations for an evolving Internet Governance framework.

Whereas, the CEO has executed the mandate of the Board's 28 September 2013 and 17 November 2013 resolutions in enabling each of these above-referenced efforts, the outcomes of which are enhancing the Internet ecosystem and facilitating positive changes in Internet governance, while upholding the multi-stakeholder model.

Whereas, the Board continues to monitor the progress of each of these initiatives, and recognizes that continued work is necessary to continue with the work on the evolution of global multi-stakeholder participation in Internet governance.

Whereas, ICANN is participating in these initiatives in furtherance of ICANN's mission and anticipates continued participation in these endeavors well into the future.

Resolved (2014.07.30.13), the Board hereby directs the CEO to continue to support the emerging initiatives, relating to addressing the outcomes of the NETMundial meeting and the NETMundial Principles, as well as the recommendations of the Panel on Global Internet Cooperation and Governance Mechanisms.

Resolved (2014.07.30.14), the Board highly encourages all parties interested in the Internet ecosystem and Internet governance to continue participation in these emerging initiatives and notes the importance of active and committed participation by all stakeholders.

Rationale for Resolution: 

This resolution is a continuation of the Board's 28 September 2013 and 17 November 2013 resolutions providing ICANN's President and CEO with a mandate to explore how ICANN could coordinate with stakeholders from across the globe to address the pressing issue of the future of Internet governance. In September, the Board directed the President and CEO to work towards the establishment of a coalition to start an effort to form an Internet cooperation agenda, and to do so in a manner consistent with ICANN's mission. In November, the Board recognized the efforts undertaken so far and directed further support for these important efforts.

Since the 17 November 2013 resolution, a substantial amount of coordination work has been achieved, and the discussions among stakeholders around the world have been ignited. The NetMundial meeting convened in Brazil, developing a Multistakeholder Statement on Internet Governance.

The Panel on Global Internet Cooperation and Governance Mechanisms issued its report with recommendations for an evolving Internet Governance framework. Discussion on the evolution of Internet governance and technical coordination continued with the 1net initiative.

Further progress from the results of the NetMundial meeting is now continuing and it is important for ICANN to continue to support this important endeavor. To remain accountable to ICANN's mission and community, the Board recognizes that the future of the work in all of these strains of work is not ICANN's; while ICANN has important contributions to make towards each of these efforts, the necessary work requires all other parties interested in the Internet ecosystem to participate in this work, with multi-stakeholder involvement and support.

Encouraging further coordination among all Internet stakeholders does not have any immediate impact on the security, stability or resiliency of the DNS, though the outcomes of these initiatives are likely to have positive benefits on the coordination of DNS stability and security issues in the future.

This is an Organizational Administrative Function for which public comment is not required.