ICANN and Global Internet Governance in the post WSIS Environment Before the commercialization of the Internet, the understanding of the Internet’s functioning was limited; issues arising out of the Internet’s use still evolving; and the network of networks that comprise the Internet were nothing close to what they are today. Ten years ago, the coordination of the Internet’s unique identifier system lay with one entity, and one company provided world-wide registration for domain names in the generic top level domain (gTLD) space. Eight years ago, the understanding of the Internet’s functioning lay with a wider range of stakeholders; more issues arising out of the Internet’s use caught the attention of lawmakers; the network of networks incrementally increased – it had become commercially available -- and the demographics of Internet users represented a wider geographic and economic group. With these developments came the US government’s policy in 1998 of tranferring the coordination of the Internet’s unique identifier system to a truly multi-stakeholder; public-private partnership, global organization called ICANN. The results have included the emergence of competition in the gTLD space and increased participation by stakeholders from all parts of the world in decision making relevant to the Internet’s unique identifier system, while maintaining the continued security and stability. Today, use of the Internet has become increasingly common – and where not, efforts continue to ensure access to enable all to ‘get online’. The emergence of stakeholders involved in matters relating to the Internet parallels the medium’s own development – which was only possible because of actively supported innovation. The World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) provided a unique opportunity for continued understanding and appreciation of the Internet, how it functions, and what this incredible medium can achieve and provide. The Summit also increased the understanding of the concerns respective stakeholders have about this emerging medium. But most importantly, the Summit recognized that traditional solutions cannot be applied to the Internet -- to solve concerns of governments does not mean applying traditional models of government control, but rather to improve on the existing mechanisms that reflect the values that resulted in the success of the medium to date. ICANN’s participation in the WSIS process sought 1) to provide an improved understanding of ICANN and its limited mandate; 2) to clarify areas of confusion and explain what ICANN is and is not responsible for – including what it does and how it does what it does, 3) to help the WSIS discussants appreciate the side-effects of the constraints on the Internet design since these constraints in some ways dictate what is possible in the near term, and 4) to understand to the best of our abilities the concerns of the international community both as regards the overall context of Internet Governance and as concerns the role and functioning of ICANN therein, and thereby continue to improve as an organization. The outcome of the WSIS process recognized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach towards Internet related issues. ICANN, since its inception, has encapsulated the principles of democratic and transparent processes, multi-stakeholder and open participation, avoidance of undue influences or capture, efficient management, and effective decision-making processes – all of which are essential for an Internet that is managed for the global, user benefit. For its part, ICANN looks forward to continuing to share its experiences about implementing a multi-stakeholder model, while in parallel building on its existing mechanisms to even further reflect the WSIS principles. As we leave the WSIS behind, it is essential that organizations and stakeholders continue to implement the principles adopted by the Summit. It is important to continue to improve existing cooperation and respect for present coordination mechanisms – as only this will ensure the Internet’s continued stability and ensure the basis for continued growth globally. The Internet Governance Forum emerging out of the Summit provides a platform for all stakeholders to come together to share information and to address issues not under the mandate of other organizations. As this platform emerges, it must reflect a genuine multi-stakeholder and equal partnership approach, and be respectful of existing organization’s roles and responsibilities. The promotion and protection of a single, globally interoperable Internet is a fundamental trust that any framework for Internet Governance must honour for the benefit of the present one billion users and for future generations. It is the most individually empowering gift the Twentieth Century has passed to the citizens of the Twenty First Century. Paul Twomey President & CEO ICANN

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