Amsterdam Consultation on ICANN Strategic Plan 07 - 08/02/05
Prepared by Grant Forsyth
1 March 2005
InternetNZ funded 50% of the cost of Grant’s attendance at the Amsterdam Consultation on the ICANN Strategic Plan.
Background
ICANN released its draft Strategic Plan in November 2004. This is the first strategic plan ever produced by ICANN. Preliminary discussions were held on the plan during the December 2004 Cape Town ICANN face to face meeting and while public comment was sought, no formal consultation was provided for. In Cape Town agreement was reached with the staff and board to engage in consultation with input being received up to 28 February 2005 such that the Board could sign off on the plan at the April Mar del Plata ICANN face to face meeting.
Subsequent to Cape Town, when more people had time to properly read and consider the plan, there was a growing concern that substantial issues needed to be addressed in the plan. Marilyn Cade, Commercial and Business Users Constituency (CBUC) representative on the gNSO Council, proposed the holding of a face to face meeting specifically to discuss and generate considered consultation on the plan. This became the Amsterdam Consultation.
I alerted the International Committee of InternetNZ to the looming issue of the ICANN Strategic Plan and the proposed consultation in early January 2005. This facilitated the opportunity for Jennifer Northover to attend on behalf of InternetNZ on her return from a previously planned attendance at CENTR and Domain Pulse meetings in Europe.
The Amsterdam Consultation
Prior to the Amsterdam Consultation I had, as a CBUC representative on the gNSO Council, reviewed the ICANN Strategic Plan, reviewed the views of others on the plan, participated in several calls between interested parties and also supported Marilyn’s proposal for the gNSO to organise the Amsterdam Consultation. I also assisted the consideration of the plan through producing a version of the plan with number paragraphs for ease of consistent referencing. I also work with Marilyn and others on organisational aspects of the meeting including arranging for an international audio bridge (which, in the end, was not needed).
I arrived early in Amsterdam and worked with Marilyn and others, including Jennifer Northover, InternetNZ Councillor, to prepare for the meeting. I was a co-facilitator for the second day and lead the discussion to derive a consensus view as to the need and process for further immediate and ongoing consultation. I documented the outcomes from this part of the discussion and contributed that to the report of the meeting.
Post Amsterdam Consultation
Following my return to New Zealand I worked with Marilyn and others to complete 4 drafts of the Meeting Report including the consensus recommendations. I also sought from ICANN CEO and senior staff clarification and confirmation of the planned consultation in Mar del Plata. This now seems to be assured and not marginalized through scheduling with other important meetings.
Amsterdam Consultation Outcomes
The Amsterdam Consultation on the ICANN Strategic Plan Meeting Report and Recommendations includes: a list of those who attended in Amsterdam; summaries of the presentations delivered; and consensus recommendations reached. A copy of that report is attached. Copies of the full presentations have been posted on the gNSO site.
